SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Some New Mexico lawmakers are pushing to add opioid addiction to the list of qualifying conditions for the state's medical marijuana program.
Supporters gathered Monday in Santa Fe with representatives of the Drug Policy Alliance to build support for expanding access to medical marijuana.
"Thousands of our neighbors and relatives are suffering, and so are families and communities. The time to act in now," said Sen. Jeff Steinborn of Las Cruces, one of the Democrats supporting the initiative.
An advisory panel has twice considered petitions calling for medical marijuana to be added as a tool in the fight against opioid abuse, most recently in November. The state Health Department said Monday that Secretary Lynn Gallagher is awaiting a report from the panel before making a decision.
Top image: © BillionPhotos.com | Adobe Stock
