HOUSE MEMORIAL 55

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2020

INTRODUCED BY

Anthony Allison and D. Wonda Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL NEED FOR AND THE COST OF ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL DRUG TREATMENT CENTERS IN NEW MEXICO SHOULD THE RECREATIONAL USE OF CANNABIS BE LEGALIZED IN NEW MEXICO.

 

     WHEREAS, eleven states and the District of Columbia have legalized the recreational use of cannabis; and

     WHEREAS, Canada has legalized the recreational use of cannabis; and

     WHEREAS, twenty-three states have legalized the medical use of cannabis; and

     WHEREAS, other states have drastically reduced the criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of cannabis; and

     WHEREAS, a proposal to legalize the recreational use of cannabis by adults was passed by the New Mexico house of representatives in 2019; and

     WHEREAS, proposals to legalize the recreational use of cannabis by adults are pending in the New Mexico senate and house of representatives and have been endorsed by the governor; and

     WHEREAS, there is concern that the legalization of the recreational use of cannabis by adults in New Mexico will lead to an increased incidence of drug abuse and addiction in New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to study the potential need for and the cost of establishing additional drug treatment centers in New Mexico should the recreational use of cannabis be legalized in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that on or before October 1, 2020, the department of health report to the appropriate interim legislative committees the department's findings regarding the potential need for and the cost of establishing additional drug treatment centers in New Mexico should the recreational use of cannabis be legalized in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the secretary of health.

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