With the dedicated efforts of Gov. Bill Richardson, New Mexico legislators have finally passed a law legalizing the medicinal use of marijuana by seriously ill patients. The program would allow patients who obtain a doctor’s recommendation to use medi-pot distributed by the state’s health department. Richardson has supported passage of a medi-mari law since 2002, but it wasn’t until this year – with his taking the lead in championing the measure – that the bill earned enough votes from lawmakers to make it law.
When Richardson signs the measure, New Mexico will become the 12th state to legalize pot for medicinal use. “I don’t see it as being a big issue,” Richardson told the Associated Press. “This is for medicinal purpose, for…people that are suffering. My God, let’s be reasonable.”

Also in New Mexico, lawmakers have passed the so-called 911 Good Samaritan Bill (SB 200), which would protect drug users from charges of criminal possession if they call 911 for help to save a friend or family member who is suffering from drug overdose.

This article appears in March 23 • 2007.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US