NM STATE LEGISLATURE ACTIONS LEADING THE WAY IN DRUG REFORM

Editor,

I'm a member of UNM's chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy,
and as such, it's one of my primary objectives to adequately inform
students and faculty about the issues of drugs, the laws surrounding
them and their impact on our world.

It makes sense that New Mexico has a drug problem. Our high poverty
levels, proximity to Mexico and significant minority populations are
important factors that make New Mexico particularly susceptible to
the negative effects of the illegal drug trade.

But it's comforting to know that New Mexico hasn't been passive
about taking care of the problem. In fact, our state is a national
beacon for drug reform.

New Mexico was the first state to pass a 911 Good Samaritan Law. In
response to one of the highest rates of death by drug overdose in
the country, legislators passed this essential law that gives a
person immunity from drug possession charges when calling 911
for medical assistance. This redirects government priority from law
enforcement to saving lives. (Disclaimer: This law does not apply on
campus due to UNM's zero-tolerance policy.)

The New Mexico Department of Health's Harm Reduction Program is one
of the most comprehensive and effective initiatives for
injection-drug users in America. The program provides for syringe
exchange to reduce the spread of hepatitis and HIV, educates drug
users about potential risks and consequences of their actions and
acts as a conduit for treatment and prevention services.

The state legislature is currently working to pass two bills that
will further enable successful drug reform: "ban the box"
legislation, which will remove the box on public job applications
that asks if a person has a
criminal conviction, and the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention
Act, which will allow for drug addicts to receive treatment instead
of being incarcerated.

New Mexico's medical cannabis program model is one of the most
imitated in current drug reform legislation in other states and is
likely to set the standard for government-licensed dispensaries at a
national level.

In addition, the state commissioned an in-depth study and analysis
of the effects of drugs in New Mexico. This study will report its
findings at the end of the year and will offer further suggestions
for future reform.

New Mexico is on the right path toward sensible drug policy, but
it's not there yet. Further legislation will require a solid
foundation of supporters with a variety of skills. Why not make that
foundation the University of New Mexico?

Geoff St. John