Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 11, June 11, 2024
Section 7.34.3.17 - EXEMPTION FROM STATE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PENALTIES FOR THE MEDICAL USE OF CANNABISA. Possession of, or application for, a registry identification card shall not constitute probable cause or give rise to reasonable suspicion for any governmental agency to search the person or property of the person possessing or applying for the card.B. A qualified patient shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner by the state of New Mexico or a political subdivision thereof for the possession of or the use of medical cannabis if the quantity of cannabis, concentrates, or cannabis-derived products does not exceed an adequate supply as defined by rule; provided that a qualified patient or the qualified patient's primary caregiver may collectively possess that qualified patient's harvest of cannabis.C. A primary caregiver shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner for the possession of cannabis by the state of New Mexico, or a political subdivision thereof, for the medical use by the qualified patient if the quantity of cannabis, concentrates, or cannabis-derived products does not exceed an adequate supply as defined by rule.D. A qualified patient or a primary caregiver shall be granted the full legal protections provided under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, Section 26-2B-1 et seq., NMSA 1978, by the state of New Mexico if the qualified patient or primary caregiver is in possession of a valid registry identification card. If the qualified patient or primary caregiver is not in possession of a valid registry identification card, the qualified patient or primary caregiver shall be given an opportunity to produce the registry identification card before any arrest, or criminal charges, or other penalties are initiated.E. A practitioner shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, or denied any right or privilege by the state of New Mexico, or political subdivision thereof, for recommending the medical use of cannabis, or providing written certification for the medical use of cannabis pursuant to this rule and the act.F. Any property interest that is possessed, owned, or used in connection with the medical use of cannabis, or acts incidental to such use, shall not be harmed, neglected, injured, or destroyed while in the possession of New Mexico state or local law enforcement officials. Any such property interest shall not be forfeited under any New Mexico state or local law providing for the forfeiture of property except as provided in the Forfeiture Act. Cannabis, cannabis-derived products, paraphernalia, or other property seized from a qualified patient or primary caregiver in connection with the claimed medical use of cannabis shall be returned immediately upon the determination by a court or prosecutor that the qualified patient or primary caregiver is entitled to the protections of the provisions of this rule and the act, as may be evidenced by a failure to actively investigate the case, a decision not to prosecute, the dismissal of charges, or acquittal.G. A person shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution by the state of New Mexico, or political subdivision thereof, for a cannabis-related offense for being in the presence of the medical use of cannabis as permitted under the provisions of this rule and the act.7.34.3.17 NMAC - Rp, 7.34.3.15 NMAC, 12/30/2010, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVI, Issue 04, February 27, 2015, eff. 2/27/2015, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXX, Issue 16, August 27, 2019, eff. 8/27/2019