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The New Mexico Senate approved the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act (SB 238)on Wednesday, February 7, 34 to 7. If the bill becomes law, it willallow qualified patients suffering from certain illnesses, such ascancer, HIV/AIDS and epilepsy, to use medical cannabis for relief oftheir symptoms.
With momentum from yesterday's Senate vote and a recent statement byNew Mexico Governor Bill Richardson supporting the bill, SB 238 nowmoves to the House. The first committee hearing there could take placeearly next week.
"We are grateful for the strong leadership shown by the Senate,"said Reena Szczepanski, director of the Drug Policy Alliance NewMexico. "We're hopeful that the members of the House will show the samecompassion."
The New Mexico House has been the sticking point for medicalmarijuana in past years, with the 2005 and 2006 legislative sessionsending without a House floor vote.
Erin Armstrong, a medical marijuana advocate who suffers fromadvanced thyroid cancer, expressed hope that the governor's supportwill help the bill move through the House. "I am thrilled that Gov.Richardson continues to show compassion for seriously ill NewMexicans," she said. "I hope the Legislature also recognizes that manyNew Mexicans can't wait any longer for relief."
Armstrong, one of the two people for whom the Lynn and ErinCompassionate Use Act is named, has worked tirelessly with DPA NewMexico to advance medical marijuana legislation. DPA New Mexico hasmade passage of medical marijuana legislation a top priority in 2007,engaging in a collective effort with supporters across New Mexico aswell as DPA board members.
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