DON’T BOGART THE WEED WILL MEDICAL CANNABIS BE UNAVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST?

April 1 was the anniversary of recreational cannabis legalization in New Mexico. February’s recreational cannabis sales in New Mexico totaled over $268 million. Across the state, many are celebrating 420, code for marijuana.

This new availability of cannabis raises concern about the negative impact on New Mexico’s medical marijuana program, which launched in 2007. According to an article in the Albuquerque Journal, some industry leaders are predicting the demise of the medical cannabis program. They point to the decline of medical cannabis enrollment and sales over the past year. Others say this is a correction, not a death knell.

Total medical cannabis sales are roughly $171 million, just under 40% of total cannabis sales in New Mexico. Comparing that to February sales of $14 million, or 34% of total February cannabis sales, it appears the medical cannabis market share is shrinking.

If you have a medical marijuana card, don’t let it go just because recreational cannabis is legal. There are many benefits to having a card, such as not paying NM Gross Receipts Tax, different age restrictions, guaranteed supply, and additional legal protections.

The New Mexico State Legislature just passed Senate Bill 242, which would streamline the enrollment process, saving patients and medical providers time and money. Sponsored by Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino, the bill’s expected to be signed into law and go in effect June 16.