Reform in New Mexico

By Suzanne Wills

May, 2007

As this is being written no drug policy reform bill has been heard in the 2007 Texas Legislature. However, in our neighboring state two very significant bills have been signed into law.

New Mexico has become the 12th state to legalize the use of marijuana as a medicinal herb. New Mexico's health department will set up and administer the program. Patients with a recommendation from their doctor will apply to the health department for identification cards. They will then be able to obtain marijuana grown in production facilities in the state "housed on secure grounds and operated by licensed producers." Patients will not be allowed to grow their own.

In a signing statement Gov. Bill Richardson said, "This law will provide much-needed relief for New Mexicans suffering from debilitating diseases. It is the right thing to do. I'm proud to sign legislation that makes patient care an important priority in this state. It is time for Congress and the federal government to follow our lead and help those forced to endure painful, chronic diseases."

Gov. Richardson also signed the "911 Good Samaritan" bill, the first of its kind in the nation. The law will prevent authorities from prosecuting overdose victims, friends and family members on drug possession charges on the basis of evidence "gained as a result of the seeking of medical assistance." Gov. Richardson said, “This bill will encourage families and friends of addicts to seek medical care and prevent their loved one from dying."

Many, if not most, overdose victims die because their friends are afraid to call for help. It typically takes 2 to 4 hours to die from a heroin reaction. The opiate reversal agent, naloxone, can reverse the process in 2 to 3 minutes.

The effects of these laws will be closely watched by people on both sides of the drug policy debate.