cannabisnews.com: New Mexico Resumes Medicinal Marijuana Program New Mexico Resumes Medicinal Marijuana Program Posted by CN Staff on August 17, 2007 at 19:37:02 PT By Barry Massey, The Associated Press Source: Associated Press Santa Fe, NM -- Gov. Bill Richardson ordered the state Health Department today to resume planning of a medical marijuana program despite the department's worries about possible federal prosecution. However, the governor stopped short of committing to implement a state-licensed production and distribution system for the drug if the potential for federal prosecution remains unchanged. The department announced earlier this week that it would not implement the law's provisions for the department to oversee the production and distribution of marijuana to eligible patients. That decision came after Attorney General Gary King warned that the department and its employees could face federal prosecution for carrying out the law, which took effect in July.The distribution and use of marijuana are illegal under federal law.Today, Richardson directed the department to plan for full implementation of the program, such as preparing the regulations that will permanently govern how it operates.Under the law, the department is to issue the rules by October, including for licensing marijuana producers and developing a system to distribute the drug to qualified patients.However, Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesman for the governor, said a decision would be made later whether to implement the production and distribution system if federal prosecution remained possible.Gallegos said the administration was pursuing possible "legal options" to allow the state to provide patients with access to medical marijuana. He said he could not provide details of what was being considering.The new state law allows the use of marijuana for pain or other symptoms of debilitating illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, HIV-AIDS and certain spinal cord injuries.New Mexico is the 12th state to legalize marijuana for certain medical uses, but it's the only one calling for state-licensed production and distribution of the drug.King advised the state department that U.S. Supreme Court rulings make clear that the manufacture and distribution of marijuana -- even for medical use -- is illegal and that federal authorities have prosecuted people for growing medical marijuana.Even before Richardson's announcement, the department planned to continue to certify patients as eligible to possess marijuana. That protects the individuals from state prosecution, but it leaves them to find their own supply of marijuana -- potentially growing it themselves or obtaining it from friends or drug dealers.About 30 patients have been approved to participate in the program since the law took effect.Advocates of the program applauded Richardson's decision to have the state prepare to implement a system for producing and distributing marijuana to patients."My biggest problem is finding marijuana," Aurore Bleck of Santa Fe, who has enrolled in the state program, said in a statement. "The control and distribution of medical marijuana through legal, safe channels under the jurisdiction of the state of New Mexico has so much potential for good."Source: Associated Press (Wire)Author: Barry Massey, The Associated Press Published: August 17, 2007 Copyright: 2007 Associated Press Related Articles:Governor Demands Plan for Medical Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23261.shtmlNew Mexico Won't Supply MMJ To Patientshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23255.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #36 posted by BGreen on August 18, 2007 at 12:27:57 PT You've done it again, Hope You've used a mixture of your own words in combination with The Word to speak very directly concerning the very same discussion Mrs. Green and I have been having.You've reinforced our convictions as we stand together, having stared evil in the eyes, and stand boldly against the continued threats now that evil has reared his ugly head against us.Bro. BGreen [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by FoM on August 18, 2007 at 11:31:40 PT Expanded Associated Press Article Also Friday, Richardson sent a letter to President Bush urging the federal government to allow states like New Mexico to implement medical marijuana programs without fear of federal prosecution.Richardson, a Democratic presidential candidate, complained about "the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's misguided priority and wasted resources spent to intimidate states trying to implement medical marijuana programs."Richardson also wrote, "Mr. President, you still have an opportunity to leave a legacy of compassion by adding an exemption in federal law for states that enact medical marijuana and be an ally instead of an adversary in assisting critically ill people."Such as exception would require Congress to approve legislation changing the law, Gallegos acknowledged.Last month, the U.S. House rejected a proposal _ on a 165-262 vote _ that would have blocked the Justice Department from taking action against state medical marijuana programs, including New Mexico's. The proposal would have prohibited the department from using federal money to prevent implementation of state laws allowing the use, possession, distribution or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes.Tom Riley, a spokesman for the White House drug policy office, said it's up to federal prosecutors and the Justice Department to decide what drug cases to prosecute."The federal government doesn't spend time prosecuting low-level marijuana possession cases. It's drug traffickers who go to jail and it's drug traffickers who get prosecuted," said Riley. "There is a charade going on here with people who are interested in drug legalization using genuinely sick people as pawns to get sympathy to get their agenda through."Riley described Richardson's letter to the White House as a "primary campaign fundraising document" aimed at potential donors such as billionaire George Soros, who has financed medical marijuana initiatives in several states.Soros and the Drug Policy Alliance Network each contributed $25,000 to Richardson's gubernatorial re-election campaign last year.Copyright 2007 The Associated Presshttp://www.elpasotimes.com/health/ci_6658451 [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on August 18, 2007 at 10:55:38 PT whig My friend Puff agrees. LOL!http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/dragon.gif [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by whig on August 18, 2007 at 10:51:33 PT Is there any broken vessel God cannot repair? This world can be healed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by whig on August 18, 2007 at 10:47:21 PT Puff, puff Pass. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by Truth on August 18, 2007 at 10:45:58 PT Hope Well said [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by whig on August 18, 2007 at 10:45:05 PT Hope Israel accepts medical marijuana.It will not be long now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by Hope on August 18, 2007 at 10:33:36 PT Who can be against us? Spiritually? No one can stand against us at all. Love and Truth are with us.I do pray that He will indeed stand with us in the physical, in the here and now, boldly, and protect us, body, soul, life, limb, and spirit, even in this life, from all those who would harm us. (His gracious will be done.) There are those bent on silencing and harming us because of their hatred and misplaced fears. They are scary, powerful, and number many and have a terrible blood lust. They are terrible...but I hope that through Grace, I can stand and not let fear of them make me "faint".Jesus, my God, as He walked the earth in a robe of flesh, for our sakes, quoted by Luke in the twelfth chapter of his book: "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."and"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.""Authorities, rulers, and principalities" have killed many and harmed many righteous people in this world about many things...including this unholy and foolish, to the point of wickedness and evil, prohibition of cannabis. We have to be brave. We have to stand and not turn away from them in fear. You will have noted, BGreen, that there is no armor mentioned for the back in that scriptural description of the armor of God. We have to resist evil. Evil isn't always obvious. It's often quite legal and armed with all sorts of legalities and laws. It can be subtle and parade around and claim to be good, all the while destroying and doing great harm. Most creepy evils do it just that way. We have to fight against that. I do not want those who despise love and gentleness and goodness to see me tremble. I pray not to tremble.I pray that God will uphold us, and make us brave, make our "foreheads like iron" so that their fearful faces and terrible threats will not frighten us...and that He will uphold us in "His victorious right hand"... even now...in this life, in this battle and in any other battle we have to fight. "The battle is His"... I think he's just giving some of the "Tares" a chance to become "Wheat"...before it's too late and they find themselves on the "Threshing floor".(I talk funny, sometimes, don't I?):0) [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on August 18, 2007 at 09:57:59 PT Just a Comment It is a beautiful early fall day here. The breeze is so refreshing and the heavy air that we have been having for a few days is gone. The clouds are a brilliant white and the sky is a beautiful blue. It reminds me about how I like to look at life. When we can't find any hope and despair enters our very soul we need to stop and remember that all good things come to those who wait. Learning patience is hard. Never pray for patience or you will get stuck in a lot of trouble until you learn patience. That's all for now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by BGreen on August 18, 2007 at 08:14:50 PT I live by those words, Hope In fact, I got the buckle for my Truth belt in Texas, so it's about the size of the actual State of Texas. LOLBro. Bud [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on August 18, 2007 at 07:56:01 PT Hope If God is for us who can be against us? [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by Hope on August 18, 2007 at 07:51:08 PT BGreen That's good. I'm very grateful and glad.This is for you, too, and all the other believers here. From Ephesians, Chapter 6:Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by Hope on August 18, 2007 at 07:34:19 PT "It seemed so dark yesterday" Seeing BGreen's post lifted my sorrow considerably and Governor Richardson's letter gives me hope that there are still decent and sane people out there. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by BGreen on August 18, 2007 at 07:14:53 PT Hope Some of the things you said were so profound and pertinent to me at this moment that I believe that you're being used by God directly to speak to me.Thank you, my dear Hope!Bro. BGreen [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by Hope on August 18, 2007 at 07:12:17 PT Had Enough "How about it George, get out that mighty pen of yours, save us a bunch of time and money and spread some ink…"You know, he could. Congress could. They have a chance to change their ways.... right up until they no longer have that chance.They seldom have the sense to, though. They're self righteous and blind and they usually proudly deliver themselves into their condemnation, with prideful vigor, right down to the last bound over to hell step they take.Why do they claim to be believers in Christ and continually condemn others for what they put in their bodies, even though it's clearly in disobedience to the One they claim to believe in? Why? Because they are liars and don't believe in Him at all and they do the work, daily and diligently, of their true master...who is not Christ at all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on August 18, 2007 at 07:10:01 PT Had Enough I agree he wrote a great letter. It amazes me when it seemed so dark yesterday that I have such hope today. It is always darkest just before dawn. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on August 18, 2007 at 07:07:21 PT BGreen Is everything ok today? You've been in my prayers. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by BGreen on August 18, 2007 at 07:04:56 PT Thanks Had Enough It's always good to be here at CNews.com.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by Hope on August 18, 2007 at 07:00:17 PT Lies still spew forth from their lips with ease. They do indeed, BGreen. They do indeed. They lie and pervert the truth at every rank and scale of their hate filled and deluded legions. It's for a "good reason", they'll tell you.How obscene does it have to get before they see the truth of their own putridness and perfidiousness?Yes, this is how the wisdom of God works sometimes. He gives them a chance to understand. He gives them a chance to do right. He even saw to it that it was written down again and again and published prolifically and passed on for free as often as possible. But they become blinded and puffed up and proud within their own filthy self-righteousness and perverted "wisdom". They think they are so good and wise...when they are anything but good and wise. They condemn themselves with their own wicked hearts.It's got to be stopped. They condemn themselves ultimately, but they hurt so many along the way. I don't know why it seems like it has to be that way so terribly often. But it is. You know, as often as this kind of stuff happens down through history, you'd think the self righteous busy bodies behind so much of it would learn to think a little bit and see the horror of their ways sooner than they do. You'd think they'd develop a little common sense. Some of them never repent. Hitler probably thought he was right and righteous and doing the right thing by hurting and killing people to the moment he died. D. Gates will probably go to his grave still wanting to kill people for the substances they consume.Many companies today won't hire a person who smokes or is overweight. It's scary to think the self righteous warts on the face of humanity would reject Winston Churchill as an employee and happily hire Adolf Hitler...probably with a bonus. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Had Enough on August 18, 2007 at 06:53:26 PT Re: #15 Yep.I really, really, really like that letter. Now if other politicians would step up, things would get even better.How about it George, get out that mighty pen of yours, save us a bunch of time and money and spread some ink… [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Had Enough on August 18, 2007 at 06:47:44 PT Additions, Mathematics, & Joe “Yeah, but it's our money they're using and the same old lies still spew forth from their lips with ease.”And those lies will help to trip them up, sooner or later. “Our money” is getting streched thin. When six pack Joe loses his job then his house while the muckety-mucks get raises, he will take closer note.Good to seeya here today BGreen. ;-)Off to the grind, to pay for the grid… [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on August 18, 2007 at 06:32:02 PT Letter To President Bush from Governor Richardson Governor Bill Richardson Urges Bush Administration to End Heartless Medical Marijuana Policy***Governor Also Directs Health Department to Resume Planning for Medical Marijuana ProgramAugust 18, 2007SANTA FE -- Governor Bill Richardson today sent a letter to President Bush urging him to end the misguided priority the Office of National Drug Control Policy has placed on threatening the prosecution of state workers for providing and patients for receiving medical marijuana relief."At a time when the scourge of meth is coming across the border, and cocaine and heroin use continues to ravage our communities, the federal government should be cracking down on real criminals---not people who are trying to help those in pain," Governor Richardson said in the letter to the President.The Bush Administration earlier this year threatened to target New Mexico state officials with federal prosecution if the Legislature passed a bill making medical marijuana legal for the most seriously ill patients. Governor Richardson today vowed to fight the federal intimidation efforts, and use every state resource to fully implement the state law."Mr. President, you still have an opportunity to leave a legacy of compassion by adding an exemption in federal law for states that enact medical marijuana and be an ally instead of an adversary in assisting critically ill people," Governor Richardson said in his letter. "Respected physicians and government officials should not fear going to jail for acting compassionately and caring for our most vulnerable citizens. Nor should those most vulnerable of citizens fear their government because they take the medicine they need."Governor Richardson also directed the state Department of Health to continue planning to fully implement the law, including designing a program to provide eligible patients with access to medical marijuana. The Governor said he wants the Health Department to be prepared to start a program once legal hurdles, imposed by the federal government, are cleared.Letter to President Bush follows:August 17, 2007The Honorable George W. BushPresident of the United StatesThe White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500Dear Mr. President,I am writing to raise my deep concern about the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's misguided priority and wasted resources spent to intimidate states trying to implement medical marijuana programs that provide relief to citizens suffering from the pain of severe illness or injury. At a time when the scourge of meth is coming across the border, and cocaine and heroin use continues to ravage our communities, the federal government should be cracking down on real criminals---not people who are trying to help those in pain. New Mexico, like eleven other states, passed a medical marijuana law to allow board-certified physicians to review and certify patients are eligible for medical marijuana to relieve the pain of patients suffering from debilitating conditions. Our Department of Health is now impaired in its ability to fully comply with new state law for fear of federal prosecution. That law calls for controls on the provision of medical marijuana to help protect the health of our citizens and not force patients to seek a remedy from potentially criminal elements. The population that seeks this remedy is small and the program is strictly regulated. So far, only 60 patients have applied for state ID card and the Department of Health has approved just 30. I have listened to the personal and heartbreaking stories of this small group of people who suffer greatly each day, and like my Republican and Democratic colleagues in the legislature, I was moved to act. Mr. President, you still have an opportunity to leave a legacy of compassion by adding an exemption in federal law for states that enact medical marijuana and be an ally instead of an adversary in assisting critically ill people. Respected physicians and government officials should not fear going to jail for acting compassionately and caring for our most vulnerable citizens. Nor should those most vulnerable of citizens fear their government because they take the medicine they need. Sincerely,Bill RichardsonGovernor, State of New Mexicohttp://www.richardsonforpresident.com/newsroom/pressreleases?id=0225 [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by BGreen on August 18, 2007 at 06:25:58 PT And I might add The Prohibitionists are running out of money and lies.Yeah, but it's our money they're using and the same old lies still spew forth from their lips with ease.Trust me, I know.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by Had Enough on August 18, 2007 at 06:10:39 PT Hemp for Victory Re: #11 I’d like to add: Along with the black market disappearing, growing Hemp to make products would be good for the economy. I think the farmers would appreciate it and all the other spin off industries. The technology is already in place. The only thing standing in the way is the law.Hemp Oil for fuel. No more need to drill holes in the Earth and suck the oil out. No more oil spills transporting crude oil. No more Middle East dependency on crude oil. No more war for oil. Although someone, somewhere will find another reason to go off to war. History proves that... 10,000 years or more…Hemp fibers for clothing, building materials, car parts, and just about every thing else crude oil can do. What a name for an energy fuel “CRUDE oil. People do CRUDE things over it. I guess the name fits.Medical research. Cancers, skin problems, MS, glaucoma, nervous conditions, heart, and the many other healing properties this plant may provide. That alone right there should stop prohibition. Let’s do the research and find about all its potentials. Hey Cancer and all the other money collecting Societies!!! Where are you??? “We can’t hear you now.”The cat is out of the bag and more and more people see it. It’s a matter of time. The Prohibitionists are running out of money and lies.On the Gandhi theory where at first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then they lose; I think we are somewhere in the third quarter. Time to get it over with. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Hope on August 18, 2007 at 05:56:36 PT Sorry, Bro, Bud... That occurred to me when I was posting. Except I think I usually address you as BGreen. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by Toker00 on August 18, 2007 at 04:58:17 PT You know, ...it's amazing to me that all these tons and tons of cannabis and other drugs are being USED by so many millions (billions?) of people worldwide every year but the carnage and damage are suffered by those delivering and intercepting those drugs. The users, unless they do something entirely stupid, are enjoying these substances responsibly. So why are people dieing for nothing? Legalizing/Regulating would eliminate the carnage to our "Public Servants" and the Black Market for drugs would disappear.Any doubters about that? Of course drugs would have to be re-scheduled, re-formulated for market and safety, and yes, some substances would STILL be banned and a black market would still exist, but much smaller and much less dangerous to society and our "Protectors". So, all in all, wouldn't it the Right Thing To Do? End Prohibition?Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by BGreen on August 18, 2007 at 03:59:22 PT LOL re: comment #9 I had to check to see what I had posted in #3, except it was my brother, RevRayGreen, who Hope was talking about.Maybe we should be addressed as Bro. Bud and Bro. Ray. :)The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Hope on August 17, 2007 at 21:24:01 PT Oops.... My last comment was in response to Bro. Green's comment 3. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by Hope on August 17, 2007 at 21:22:50 PT George He's gone out of his way so often to speak out for those in need. He's done so much more than he ever had to do. I can understand his needing to take it easy. He's lived many years beyond what it looked like he was going to. Cannabis saved him from eminent death. He needs to take care of himself and not push himself so. The Government's stuff may be low grade and crappy...but it's kept George and the others alive and well for a long time and it would help others, too, and they ought to be able to receive it, in a sane world. Gov. Richardson probably isn't thinking about trying to get anyone else into the present limited Federal program, but, I'm looking very forward to hearing what he's got in mind.It's so past time for the Feds to end the insanity and legalize cannabis. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by NikoKun on August 17, 2007 at 21:10:19 PT very good This is very good of Gov. Bill Richardson, sticking to this issue, is exactly what is needed.If the Feds try anything, fight back! This is a state's rights issue. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by whig on August 17, 2007 at 21:09:34 PT What power was delegated to prohibit Cannabis? None. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by whig on August 17, 2007 at 21:08:33 PT FoM I prefer to say reserved powers, state's rights isn't really meaningful to me. The tenth amendment says,The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on August 17, 2007 at 20:45:17 PT This Could Get Interesting This is the first Governor to ever take medical marijuana this far. I really appreciate Governor Richardson. Will the Federal Government hassle a Governor? Maybe we will see. This is a states rights issue. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by RevRayGreen on August 17, 2007 at 20:24:22 PT Hope "Curious .... I can't imagine what they could be planning. Maybe they are going to force the reopening of the Federal compassionate use program. "I'd tell George about that thought, but he's slowly removing himself from the spotlight. good thought, but we all know the Govt. IND schwag is what it is, but I'm sure a state growing/distributing would provide better medicine. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Hope on August 17, 2007 at 20:09:49 PT Curious .... I can't imagine what they could be planning. Maybe they are going to force the reopening of the Federal compassionate use program.That would be something.The real cruelty to people because of a non poisonous plant...I'll never understand it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on August 17, 2007 at 19:40:57 PT I Wonder What This Could Be Gallegos said the administration was pursuing possible "legal options" to allow the state to provide patients with access to medical marijuana. He said he could not provide details of what was being considering. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment