[420 Girl]

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today praised US Attorney General Eric Holder for his decision to halt raids by the Drug Enforcement Agency on state-approved medical marijuana dispensaries. New Mexico is one of 13 states in the US that allows, under strict conditions, the cultivation, sale and use of medical marijuana.

“This is welcome news and validates our bold action to allow this alternative treatment to improve the quality of life for those suffering from chronic and debilitating diseases,” said Governor Richardson. “I have no doubt that other states will soon join New Mexico and the other 12 states in recognizing that allowing this effective and compassionate treatment is the right thing to do."

In April 2007, Governor Richardson signed the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, allowing patients suffering from certain chronic diseases to use marijuana to treat their symptoms. Since then the Department of Health has approved more than 200 patient applications.

To qualify for medical marijuana, patients’ primary care providers must certify that the patient has one of the eligible medical conditions, the condition is debilitating and that the benefit of medical marijuana would outweigh the potential risks. The New Mexico Department of Health verifies application information by calling providers, checking their medical license and reviewing medical records that support the condition.

Regulations provide for two kinds of licensed producers: a qualified patient who can produce up to 4 mature plants and 12 seedlings for personal use only and a nonprofit private entity that can produce a total of 95 mature plants and seedlings and an inventory of usable marijuana that reflects current patient needs at any time. The Health Secretary will consider the health needs of qualified patients and the public safety in determining the number and location of licenses that the Department of Health approves. The Department is currently reviewing proposals from producers, which when approved will be another major step in giving patients who use the program more access medical marijuana.

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