Creative Balance,LLC-Home of The New Mexico Medijuana Man

05/03/2024

04/27/2024

Lots of vendors out at Happy Panda! Come check out the deals today!

04/27/2024

Come down and celebrate Happy Panda's 1 year anniversary! Corner of I25 and Missouri from 12-3 today

04/20/2024

Hey folks, I'm on my way to celebrate 420 with the Canna Company here in Las Cruces. I'll be there at 11:00 if you want to stop by and say hi! Great deals on Storz & Bickel v**e products! There rarely go on sale!!!
3510 Northrise Dr suite 4, Las Cruces, NM 88011

03/14/2024

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1266853

Ryan Jenkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Las Cruces, NM, 88001, (575) 573-8846, Online Medical Cannabis Specialist (and other stuff too!)- Unlock the healing potential of medical cannabis with personalized guidance and support from a compassionate therapist /coach dedicated to your well-being.....

02/23/2024

Are there any other mental health providers out there that have an issue with this response from out state medical director? Apparently as mental health providers, we only "feel" like we can diagnose...

Good afternoon Ryan Jenkins MSW, LCSW,



I am sorry you feel my response is not acceptable. It is correct that a patient may obtain medical cannabis without a prescription. In fact, medical providers who certify patients for the medical cannabis program do not “prescribe” cannabis to their patients, but instead certify that the patient suffers from one of the many qualifying conditions. I understand that you feel that you feel very capable of diagnosing that an individual may suffer from a mental health condition, but the Legislature has chosen the criterion that individuals must have the ability to prescribe a controlled substance. Remember, Cannabis is still scheduled as a Schedule 1 substance under federal law. By requiring a certifying provider to at least have a Controlled Substance License, the Legislature wanted to provide some type of safeguard for patients and from the federal government shutting down the program. If the legislature had simply allowed anyone who felt capable of certifying a patient the ability to do so, I do not believe we would have the Medical Cannabis Program our state has today. Furthermore, if anyone who felt capable of determining a diagnosis did so, where does that self-determination end and how would our program verify the qualifications of the individual certifying a patient? I think the Controlled Substance License was the best metric the Legislature had at the time and continues to be a useful and valuable metric. As I mentioned before, you can work in tandem with the patient’s primary care provider and allow them to certify the patient for the Medical Cannabis Program while you provide precise and professional instruction on cannabis use and insightful follow-up. Just so you are aware, the Medical Cannabis Program is providing instruction to medical providers and consistently stressing the importance on CME/CEUs. Cannabis has been stigmatized for a very long time, but we are having an impact! I applaud you dedication to helping patients benefit from Medical Cannabis and I would recommend you reach out to fellow social workers and your local representative to see if they would sponsor legislation that would meet the goal you are seeking.



Sincerely,



Gary J. French, MD

Gary.French@DOH.nm.gov
Medical Director

02/19/2024

Here is a letter I am writing to the lawmakers in New Mexico. Please feel free to use it as a template to support this initiative.

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the current process for obtaining medical cannabis cards in New Mexico, particularly the limitations placed on who can diagnose qualifying conditions. As a licensed clinical social worker deeply involved in mental health care, I have observed a significant gap in the system that affects the well-being of many patients.
It has come to my attention that medical doctors, while undoubtedly skilled in various aspects of healthcare, may not always possess the specialized knowledge required to evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions accurately, especially concerning the potential benefits of medical cannabis treatment. Despite this, they are permitted to diagnose for a medical card, whereas licensed mental health professionals like myself are not afforded the same privilege.
This discrepancy presents a critical issue in patient care. Mental health conditions are complex and nuanced, often requiring a thorough understanding of psychological dynamics and treatment modalities. As a licensed clinical social worker, I am trained and experienced in diagnosing mental health disorders and assessing their impact on an individual's overall well-being. Yet, I am unable to provide this essential service in the context of medical cannabis.
Given the growing body of research supporting the efficacy of medical cannabis in managing various mental health conditions, it is imperative that patients have access to a comprehensive evaluation by qualified mental health professionals. Therefore, I urge you to consider supporting legislation that would allow independently licensed mental health providers, including clinical social workers, to sign off on medical cannabis cards for patients with diagnoses within our scope of practice.
By expanding the pool of qualified professionals authorized to diagnose for medical cannabis eligibility, we can ensure that patients receive the most accurate and comprehensive assessments possible, tailored to their individual needs. This not only enhances patient care but also upholds the integrity of the medical cannabis program in New Mexico.
I believe that enacting such legislation would represent a significant step forward in promoting equitable access to medical cannabis for individuals with legitimate medical needs, particularly those grappling with mental health challenges. Your leadership in championing this cause would be greatly appreciated by myself and countless others who are committed to improving healthcare outcomes in our state.
Thank you for considering this important matter. I look forward to your support and to the positive impact it will undoubtedly have on the lives of many New Mexicans.