Twenty counties see more than 40 percent increase in patient enrollment year-over-year

(Albuquerque) – New Mexico’s Medical Cannabis Program enrollment reached 53,585 patients as of May 31, 2018, an increase of 15 percent or nearly 7,000 patients since the beginning of the calendar year.

According to data from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the breakdown for all 33 counties showed an increase of 42 percent from May 31, 2017 to May 31 2018.

The top five fastest growing counties with at least 500 cardholders as of May 31, 2018 are:

1. Otero* 81.6%
2. Grant* 68.3%
3. Curry* 62.6%
4. Sierra 52.4%
5. Sandoval* 51.9%

*Counties currently served by Ultra Health.

Ultra Health currently serves 7 counties and expects to have locations in all 33 counties by 2020, subject to NMDOH designations.

The program’s strong growth is consistent with a recent demand survey which indicates enrollment could grow by as much as 255,000 patients in the next two years.

The demand estimates were calculated from a May 2018 cannabis policy survey conducted by Research and Polling Inc. The survey results found 16 percent of adults in New Mexico reported they are likely to apply for a medical cannabis card in the next two years.

Roughly 1.6 million adults live in New Mexico as of July 1, 2017, and thus 16 percent of adults   equates to an additional 255,245 potential cardholders by 2020, given their survey response to “likelihood of applying to the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program in the next two years.”

These numbers do not include those patients who already have a medical cannabis card.

Although many people claim they are likely to take part in a certain program or activity, fewer actually do so for various reasons, which is typical in survey research.

Conservatively, this could translate to an additional 100,000 patients in the program on top of the current enrollment of 53,585 patients, if even only 40 percent actually sign up.

“Consistent, double-digit growth is not by mere chance; it is the result of so many New Mexicans committing to better health. We are humbled to be a part of their care,” said Duke Rodriguez, CEO and President of Ultra Health®. “As more New Mexicans find relief in medical cannabis, we are committed to protecting the needs of current patients and those who enroll in the future.”