Bill Seeks To Ease Medical Cannabis Restrictions for New Mexico Firefighters

The proposed law would “narrow the definition of ‘safety-sensitive status'” under state medical marijuana laws. santa fe new mexicanThis provision prevented first responders and firefighters from participating in New Mexico’s medical marijuana program, which began in 2007.

“As proposed, this definition requires that you carry a firearm or operate a vehicle with a commercial driver’s license, and that performance under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses an imminent or direct consequence of injury or death. Only employees who pose a serious threat are included: a person or another.State law now more broadly defines “safety-sensitive positions” who are ineligible for medical cannabis programs, and firefighters who are employers It prohibits the use of medical marijuana without a license from,” the publication reported.

This law is supported by the local firefighters union.

International Fire Association President Miguel Titman Fighters (IAFF) 244, told local news station coat.

“If I could negotiate a responsible policy, I wouldn’t be using medical marijuana hours before my shift.”

These sentiments echoed Christopher Johnson, President of IAFF 2362 in Las Cruces.

“A lot of our hope was that it could be resolved at the state level, which opens the door for local governments to start making that distinction and use it. ,” Johnson told KOAT.

The bill is currently being considered by a committee in the state House of Representatives.

Democrats hold the majority in both houses of the New Mexico legislature.

The state’s Democratic governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, has also proven to be a cannabis supporter.

In 2021, she signed legislation to legalize adult-use marijuana in New Mexico, hailed as an economic coup for the state.

“The legalization of adult-use marijuana paves the way for a new economic engine in our state with the promise of creating thousands of high-paying jobs for years to come,” Grisham said at the time. Told. “By building an honest industry, we make consumers safer. We intend to break new ground in an industry that has the potential to change for the better.”

“As we bounce back from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, entrepreneurs will benefit from this golden opportunity to create profitable new businesses, state and local governments will benefit from additional revenues, And importantly, workers should take on new types of jobs and build careers,” Grisham added.

Grisham said the measure was “a big, big step forward for our state.”

“Legalized adult-use marijuana will change the way we think about New Mexico for the better: the workforce, the economy, the future. We are ready to break new ground. We are ready to invest in the limitless potential of ourselves and New Mexicans, and we are ready to work to make this industry a success,” the governor said.

New Mexico medical and recreational cannabis sales totaled over $40 million in December.