Mark Springer really wants to grow medical marijuana in New Mexico. So much so that he sued the state in January for the right to cultivate, arguing that the New Mexico secretary of health is obligated to ensure there’s enough supply to satisfy patient demand.
But a judge has tossed his case, saying no such obligation exists.
State First District Judge Jennifer Attrep denied Springer’s request that New Mexico reopen the application process for MMJ cultivators, though she didn’t rule on whether he could be put at the top of the list if the state does start issuing new licenses.
Springer has a letter from New Mexico’s health secretary assuring him that he will be given priority if New Mexico makes such a move. The state reportedly has been considering increasing the number of legal MMJ producers.
Last year, the state issued 23 business permits to either new cultivators or those renewing their license.
Springer argued that because the number of qualified MMJ patients rose by 10% in just 2013, the number of locals “in need” has actually jumped from 3,000 to 10,000.
