What They Mean for NM Medical Cannabis Patients
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) passed Amendment 7.34.4.28 last week, which details a number of changes to the reciprocity portion of the New Mexico Cannabis program.
These changes state that:
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A New Mexico qualified patient can no longer be enrolled as a reciprocal patient.
Meaning:
New Mexico residents are no longer able to join the reciprocity program*. If you are a New Mexico resident, and wish to get a medical card, you can now only do so through the NMDOH. You can no longer get one from any other state outside of New Mexico.
*A resident of New Mexico can enroll as a reciprocal participant only if they are a member of a New Mexico Indian Nation, Tribe, or Pueblo medical cannabis program.
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A reciprocal patient’s place of residency must match their place of enrollment.
For example:
A Colorado resident can only participate as a reciprocal patient by 1) providing proof of authorization to participate in Colorado’s program (like a Colorado medical card), and 2) providing proof of residency in Colorado through their government-issued identification (like a Colorado driver’s license).
Everest is now required to verify that a reciprocal patient’s state of residency matches the state of their medical cannabis program enrollment. Unfortunately we are unable to sell to anyone who cannot provide matching documentation. All medical cannabis dispensaries in the state of New Mexico are subject to disciplinary action if these regulations aren’t adhered to.
Important Reminder: Proof of medical cannabis program enrollment must be in the form of a physical card or other physical document issued by a governmental entity authorized by law to enroll you in the medical cannabis program in your state of residence. Permission from a medical practitioner, such as a written letter from your physician, is not enough proof of authorization to allow you to register as a reciprocal patient.
Please stop into any Everest Apothecary location today to learn more about these changes and have your reciprocal program documentation re-verified by our patient care technicians. We are here to help as best we can!
