New Mexico balks at issuing medical cannabis cards to nonresidents

New Mexico health officials are refusing to issue medical marijuana identification cards to out-of-state residents, despite a recent judge’s order.

Providing MMJ identification cards to nonresidents could give the state’s medical cannabis sales a shot in the arm.

The Albuquerque Journal reported that the state Department of Health asked a state judge to reconsider a ruling that New Mexico must allow nonresidents to participate in its medical cannabis program.

Health officials say the ruling is not final, because it could be held pending an appeal. Officials added they are waiting until the legal dispute is resolved.

An attorney said the department should be held in contempt of court.

State attorneys say allowing nonresidents to participate would encourage the illegal transport of cannabis across state lines.

Officials say the ruling signed into law this year was a simple drafting error and was not aimed at granting out-of-state residents ID cards.

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– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily