Richardson signs bill legalizing medical marijuana

Gov. Bill Richardson signed into law today a controversial bill that would legalize marijuana for medical use.

Richardson pushed hard for the bill’s passage during the regular session earlier this year and succeeding in resurrecting it after the House originally killed it.

“This law will provide much-needed relief for New Mexicans suffering from debilitating diseases,” Richardson said. “It is the right thing to do.”

Senate Bill 523, sponsored by Shannon Robinson, D-Albuquerque, defines the medical conditions for which legal marijuana will be allowed to include HIV, AIDS, cancer, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. The bill also creates a panel of eight physicians and health care professionals who will supervise the program. Qualified patients must be under a doctor’s supervision.

The bill requires the Department of Health to establish rules for considering applications, identifying licensure requirements for medical marijuana producers and production facilities and developing a secure distribution system.

“I’m proud to sign legislation that makes patient care an important priority in this state,” Richardson said. “It is time for Congress and the federal government to follow our lead and help those forced to endure painful, chronic diseases.”