MyHighPlains.com /  Audrey Roberson

Published on January 5, 2017

Dispensaries Not Expecting Federal Scrutiny

CLOVIS – Attorney General, Jeff Sessions decided to rescind a marijuana enforcement policy from the Obama administration. Federal prosecutors will have the go-ahead to enforce these federal laws.

This changes the hands-off approach the federal government has had toward marijuana laws. Now prosecutors could target legal growers or dispensaries.

With the 2013 Cole Memo, states could decide whether or not to legalize medicinal and recreational marijuana.

New Mexico is one of 29 states to legalize medicinal marijuana.

Anna Mitchell of Ultra Health in Clovis, said they are not worried about of the new legislation because their patients are protected under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act.

This was passed to ensure patients who needed the medicine still had access.

“The awareness of the effectiveness of this medicine is spreading,” Mitchell said. “It’s important. I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere. It’s too big to go anywhere. There are too many people who need it, who use it, who believe in it. I don’t think any of the medical programs are under any fire.”

Medical marijuana is used to treat cancerous tumors, ALS, epilepsy, and opioid addiction.

Manager of Ultra Health in Clovis, Anthony Salez said there has been a 77% increase of Cannabis registration in New Mexico within the past year. He said the increase is because of the opioid crisis.

According to state law, patients must have a medicinal card and be a New Mexico resident in order to purchase in a dispensary.