NM Dept of Health rules are ever changing. There are a number of acceptable conditions, however, the relationship with the certifying practitioner is key. "A certifying practitioner” is expected to have an established relationship with “the patient" and “must certify the patient with a qualifying condition."

 

A little history, NM Dept. of Health rules are ever changing.

There are a number of acceptable conditions, however, the relationship with the certifying practitioner is key. "A certifying practitioner” is expected to have an established relationship with “the patient" and “must certify the patient with a qualifying condition." Certification asserts that “the benefits of cannabis use exceed the risks". This rule is being ignored by practitioners who do not establish a relationship with the patient and basically, just sell a card for $50. Unfortunately, this has opened the door for continued self-medicating, misuse and potential abuse. The $50 card mills started in 2015. Unfortunately, NMDOH has no jurisdiction on practitioners skirting the rules, so patients are often certified but receive no guidance or follow up care. The question is: Would this be acceptable with prescription drugs?

Cannabis is finally being recognized as medicine, however there is little to no research available. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that lives have been improved and suffering has been eased, by the responsible and medical use of cannabis.

In Las Cruces in 2007, practitioners at NMMCP CONSULTING, were the only practitioners in Southern NM that were willing to certify, educate, guide and support our patients and other practitioners, not only for access to quality medicine, but for safety reasons, quality of life, access to guidance, counseling and education. NMMCP CONSULTING has certified over 5,000 patients between 2007 and 2024. They continue to certify patients, provide guidance and education for established patients, and they maintain a relationship with the patient.

In 2007, there were less than 1,000 medical cannabis patients in NM. Many first-time users want education, guidance and legal access to the plant for smoking, edibles, topicals, oils and for the right to grow their own. The program granted a patient the right to grow their own plants. There were very few growers and dispensaries at the time. NMMCP CONSULTING made sure that if a patient wanted to grow, guidance and education was provided.

NOTE: Legalization did grant New Mexicans the right to grow 12 plants per household.

Medical patients get protection from law enforcement, to some extent. As long as the certified patient is a responsible user, law enforcement is compassionate. Compassion is the operative word and what the program is based on.

In general, since legalization, education is still lacking for both the patients and practitioners. Unfortunately, the program is in peril, and we must do everything possible to save it. You can help by applying for your medical card.

NMDOH data shows that the number of actively enrolled patients has decreased by about 20,000 people, over the last year. In April of 2023, there were over 100,000 active patients in the program; by April of 2024, there are 80,186 active patients.

Legalization is partly to blame. Some medically certified patients are choosing to go back to self medicating with no guidance. Many do not want to pay the practitioner's certification fee. What they dont realize is that certification is much more than just a card. Practitioners prefer their patients to be safe and to have access to medical and mental health care. Once again, users are vulnerable to law enforcement and recreational users must now pay 20% tax.

Cannabis is finally being recognized as medicine, however there is little to no research available. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that lives have been improved and suffering has been eased, by the responsible and medical use of cannabis. Is there potential for abuse or misuse,? Of course. This is where guidance, education and the medical card make a difference. In order to save the program, the focus must be on guidance and education and responsible use.

There is no time to waste. Speak up and do what you can to save the program. If you have a legitimate medical or mental condition, apply for your card. Get the benefits that you deserve.

NMDOH Medical Cannabis Card, some benefits for patients are:

  • Access to medicinal quality, lab tested, high grade medicine.
  • Access to higher milligrams of THC and other medicinal cannabinoids. (Recreational users are limited to 10mg. of THC, per serving).
  • Access to guidance and education (everyone is different, avoid bad experiences, results vary)
  • Guidance and education are available from NMMCP Consulting and knowledgeable practitioners.
  • Cost of certification varies. At NMMCP CONSULTING, Initial consultation and Certification is on a sliding scale with proof of income. NOTE: NMMCP CONSULTING certifies Stage 4 cancer patients, with diagnosis, free of charge. Call or email for info.
  • Go to NMDOH cannabis program for list of conditions that qualify for a medical card. Dr Chavez is available to facilitate the process.

The bottom line is that medical certification is valuable and beneficial, so let’s save the program.

Let’s Save The Medical Cannabis Program!!

NMDOH Qualifying Medical Conditions