Letter from State of New Mexico Office of Governor Lujan Grisham

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         July 8, 2026

Dear Ms. Monaghan,

Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed concerns regarding the emerging federal cannabis framework and the upcoming June 26, 2026 DEA registration deadline. Your long-standing involvement in New Mexico’s medical cannabis landscape—as a patient, advocate, attorney, and advisor—provides valuable historical and practical insight, and we appreciate your commitment to protecting patient access in our state.

We recognize the importance of ensuring New Mexico patients, providers, and businesses are positioned to navigate the evolving federal environment. The Department of Health has reviewed the guidance issued by Americans for Safe Access and continues to evaluate these developments closely.

From the program standpoint, the Department of Health is already implementing the components of ASA’s recommendations that fall within its authority under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. Several of the items you referenced—particularly those related to licensing categories, supply-chain distinctions, and retail operations—fall under the jurisdiction of the Regulation and Licensing Department’s Cannabis Control Division. The record-clearing item you noted is under the purview of the Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to Section 29-3A-8 NMSA 1978. With respect to patient enrollment and patient education, the Department of Health has been focused on strengthening both areas over the past several years. This includes:

•        Improving enrollment processes through an online system that has reduced approval times from nearly 30 days to less than a day on average, with no program fees for patients.

•        Continuing outreach to patients and providers regarding the benefits of maintaining medical enrollment, including tax savings, legal protections, and access to designated medical products.

•        Significantly expanding educational resources through the Cannabis Learning Lounge and increasing the number of program health educators, allowing for a substantial increase in patient- and provider-focused trainings and materials. The Department of Health remains committed to supporting patients, ensuring access to reliable information, and maintaining an effective and meaningful Medical Cannabis Program as federal guidance continues to develop.

Thank you again for your thoughtful correspondence and for your longstanding advocacy on behalf of New Mexico patients. Your perspective is appreciated, and your concerns have been shared with the appropriate agencies for continued review.

Sincerely,

Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham 

State Capitol      •       Room 400    •     Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501    •     505-476-2200