Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
State Auditor Tim Keller's office is urging the state Department of Health to speed up its processing of medical cannabis patient applications so that the agency does not violate state law.
State law gives the department 30 days to approve or deny an application, but Keller's office said today it has received reports some patients have had to wait for up to 90 days.
"For patients with debilitating medical conditions, the difference between 30 days and 60 days to get the help they need can be devastating," Keller said in a statement. "That's why the law is crystal clear about the duty to process applications in a timely manner."
The Department of Health has claimed the backlog was caused by a surge in demand from new applicants. A DOH spokesman has also said the agency is working hard to try to get caught up.
However, medical marijuana patients and advocates say extended delays for renewing program cards have forced some seriously ill New Mexicans to purchase cannabis on the black market, according to the Associated Press.
In addition, the state Auditor's office pointed out today the Department of Health reverted more than $126,000 in unpsent funds last year earmarked for the state's medical cannabis program.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: State Auditor Tim Keller Calls On DOH To Fix Medical Pot Application Backlog
Author: Dan Boyd
Contact: 505-823-3800
Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Website: Albuquerque Journal
State law gives the department 30 days to approve or deny an application, but Keller's office said today it has received reports some patients have had to wait for up to 90 days.
"For patients with debilitating medical conditions, the difference between 30 days and 60 days to get the help they need can be devastating," Keller said in a statement. "That's why the law is crystal clear about the duty to process applications in a timely manner."
The Department of Health has claimed the backlog was caused by a surge in demand from new applicants. A DOH spokesman has also said the agency is working hard to try to get caught up.
However, medical marijuana patients and advocates say extended delays for renewing program cards have forced some seriously ill New Mexicans to purchase cannabis on the black market, according to the Associated Press.
In addition, the state Auditor's office pointed out today the Department of Health reverted more than $126,000 in unpsent funds last year earmarked for the state's medical cannabis program.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: State Auditor Tim Keller Calls On DOH To Fix Medical Pot Application Backlog
Author: Dan Boyd
Contact: 505-823-3800
Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Website: Albuquerque Journal
