Southern NM rural counties lead rapid growth, Colorado adult-use program impacts growth in north

(Albuquerque) – Patient enrollment in New Mexico’s Medical Cannabis Program reached 77,141 patients as of August 31, 2019, according to data released by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). August 2019 numbers represent a 34% increase over total enrollees in August 2018. 

The five fastest-growing counties with at least 500 cardholders have each exceeded the industry growth rate by a wide margin. The five fastest-growing counties include: 

1. Otero 58.9%
2. Curry 52.1%
3. Socorro 50.4%
4. Grant 49.6%
5. Doña Ana 43.1%

New Mexico (Total) 33.7%

While rural, southern New Mexico is driving most of the patient growth rate in the program, counties along Colorado’s shared border represent the slowest growth. The lack of comparable patient enrollment experience in New Mexico’s northern counties can be attributed to lower prices and the ease of access to Colorado’s adult-use market despite state and federal laws concerning cannabis crossing state lines. 

PTSD, severe chronic pain, and cancer remain the top qualifying conditions for medical cannabis treatment. The program serves 39,297 patients with PTSD; 25,870 with severe chronic pain; and 4,064 with cancer, as of August 31, 2019. 

In June 2019, NMDOH added six new qualifying conditions to the program including opioid use disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Friedreich’s Ataxia, Lewy Body Disease, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Just 64 patients have enrolled under the six new qualifying conditions.

Since approving the conditions, NMDOH has failed to provide proactive outreach for potential patients who may find relief with medical cannabis. In April, a NMDOH survey found that nearly 2 out of 3 New Mexicans know someone who has been addicted to opioids. When applied to the state’s adult population, more than 1 million New Mexicans know someone who has suffered or is currently suffering from opioid addiction.