New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program experiences significant drop in membership

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The Medical Cannabis Program here in New Mexico has seen a significant drop in members since its peak in May 2022. 50,000 New Mexicans have unenrolled from the program taking enrollment numbers from over 135,000 to 85,000.

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In a statement from the New Mexico Department of Health, they said they expected a drop in patients when adult use was legalized but providers are concerned about what it could mean. “The concern that we should all have is 50 thousand New Mexicans felt like they got priced out of the market. It wasn’t available, it wasn’t affordable and the biggest concern we should be concerned about is what are they seeking in lieu of cannabis for their treatment,” said Ultra Health President & CEO Duke Rodriguez.

According to Rodriguez, the loss of patients is around $85M of cannabis demand that has disappeared.

NEW MÉXICO The number of New Mexicans who have de-enrolled from the Medical Cannabis Program has dropped from 135,000 to just 85,000.

The New Mexico Department of Health said that they were expecting a decline in patients once adult use of cannabis was legalized, but are worried about the possible consequences. “The concern we all should have is that 50 thousand New Mexicans feel like they were priced out of the marketplace. It was not available, and it wasn’t cheap. The biggest concern should be what they are seeking as an alternative to cannabis for their treatments,” said Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez.

According to Rodriguez the cannabis demand has decreased by $85 million.

New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program experiences significant drop in membership

Author: Jordan Honeycutt

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