As some of you folks in MJ program know, they are currently trying to repeal the medical cannabis laws here in NM.
Hi again,
Following is a sample letter to communicate with legislators regarding HB 593, the Repeal of NM’s Medical Cannabis laws, drafted by NORML. Below that, also attached is an article by NORML discussing HB 593.
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Sample Letter re Oppose HB 593 Repeal of Medical Cannabis Laws in NM:
I’m writing to voice my opposition to House Bill 593 that seeks to eliminate the existing rights of medical marijuana patients in New Mexico.
To date, fifteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for the physician-supervised access of medical cannabis. OVERALL, THESE LAWS ARE WORKING AS INTENDED AND REPORTED ABUSES HAVE BEEN MINIMAL. There is not a single INDICENCE where lawmakers have elected to repeal these measures.
Under existing law, New Mexico patients are afforded the legal option to use medical cannabis therapy, if such therapy is approved by their physician. To deny this therapeutic option to patients improperly interferes with the relationship between a patient and his or her doctor. State and federal laws already allow the medical use of many drugs, such as cocaine and morphine, which can be abused in a non-medical setting. Basic compassion and common sense demand that we allow the seriously ill
to use whatever medication provides safe and effective relief. OVER 3,000 PATIENTS IN NEW MEXICO ARE NOW BENEFITING FROM THE PHYSICIAN-SUPERVISED USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO DENY THESE PATIENTS THIS RELIEF.
THE MEDICAL USE OF marijuana has a remarkable safety record as a therapeutic agent, particularly when compared to other conventional medications. Most significantly, the consumption of marijuana – regardless of quantity or potency -- cannot induce a fatal overdose. The plant’s therapeutically active compounds are also remarkably non-toxic when compared to other therapeutics.
Most importantly, the use of medical marijuana is greatly improving the quality of life and productivity of THOUSANDS of New Mexicans. It makes little sense from either a fiscal standpoint or from a public safety standpoint to reclassify these people as criminals.
I urge you to protect those patients and their doctors who recognize that marijuana has medical utility, and to uphold the sanctity and privacy of the doctor-patient relationship.
From NORML.ORG:
New Mexico Lawmaker Introduces Legislation to Repeal Medical Marijuana Law
A New Mexico lawmaker has introduced legislation to repeal the state's four-year-old medical marijuana law.
House Bill 593, introduced by Santa Fe Republican James Smith, aims to completely repeal New Mexico's existing medical marijuana law, which was initially approved by the legislature and the Governor in 2007.
Presently, over 3,200 patients are using cannabis legally in compliance with state law. In addition, state officials have licensed some 25 facilities to produce or dispense medical cannabis. To date, reports of abuses regarding the use or distribution of medical cannabis as authorized by the law have been minimal.
Nevertheless, Smith -- who admits "I'm not a medical doctor, I don't pretend to be" -- states that the law sends a mixed message to young people and that other alternative medications are available.
House Bill 593 has been assigned to the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee and awaits a scheduled hearing. Newly elected Republican Governor Susana Martinez, who recently stated that this issue would not be a legislative priority for her administration in 2011, has said she would sign Smith's bill if it reaches her desk.
Do not let that happen! There has never been a single state medical marijuana law that has been repealed. Do not let New Mexico be the first. Please make sure that your House member has heard from you. You can contact him or her by visiting NORML's 'Take Action Center' here:
Thank you for supporting marijuana law reform efforts in New Mexico.
Sincerely,
The NORML Team
