Medical Cannabis patients continue to feel the repercussions of Adult-Use Sales

As if California Medical Cannabis patients didn’t suffer enough.  Apparently, other states have not learned from California’s mistakes.  The headline from Ganjapreneur by TG Branfalt is “Medical Cannabis Strained by Adult-Use Sales in New Mexico”
 
New Mexico medical Cannabis patients are expressing frustration. Increased demand from adult-use sales is straining the New Mexico Cannabis supply.  On April 1st, licensed Cannabis dispensaries in New Mexico started adult use sales one year after legislators passed an adult use legalization bill.  The roll-out was expected to be gradual since many producers and retailers were building out their operations or just getting municipal approval.  The expectation didn’t account for consumers.  The state Cannabis Control Division says New Mexico sold over $8 million in adult use Cannabis in just two weeks after legalization.  KOB 4 Eyewitness news reports that, despite the large sales, medical Cannabis demand remains high. 
 
Stephanie K, a long-time medical Cannabis patient says, “They’re telling us we should keep our cards (Referring to medical Cannabis identity cards) even though it’s recreational.  For what reason?  What perks are we getting? We don’t get to get in line in front of anybody, we don’t get to pay less, we don’t get better weed.  No, we get nothing.”
 
Some New Mexico Cannabis retailers have tried to look out for patients.  Ellie Besancon, Executive Director of Green Goods, wants to create separate display cases for recreational products and medical products.  But she feels patients still have a frustration level. They already know what they want and the lines are long.
 
MJBiz Daily reports that Texans may be playing a role in consuming New Mexico Cannabis.  “Our studies show that 40% to 42% of all adult-use cannabis will be derived from out-of-state purchases, particularly Texas,” says Duke Rodriguez, CEO of the state’s largest cannabis company
 
California went through its own growing pains after enacting adult-use Cannabis laws.  In California, consumer prices remain high despite a supply glut.  A significantly large percentage of Cannabis sales are believed to remain in traditional markets.  On the East Coast, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will be selling adult use Cannabis soon.  As of April 21st, New Jersey has already started.  Can they learn from the issues western states  are experiencing or will medical Cannabis patients suffer similar access issues?
 
Medical patients typically have a different need and urgency for Cannabis.  "I don't do it to party. I don't do it to go out and dance. I don't get high. I don't laugh. I do it because it makes my pain go away,” said Stefanie. now that adult-use has arrived, the shops are only concerned about “money, the dollars.”
 
Once again, it seems to me that legislators have forgotten about COMPASSION for patients for the money.  What do you think?

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