A follow up to:

New Mexico moves one step closer to medical marijuana

New Mexico’s Senate Public Affairs Committee recently passed a medical marijuana bill, attempting once again to become the 12th state to allow the herbal medicine. But supporters were measured in their celebration, as previous marijuana bills had made it this far and been killed in the House. This one proved no different. It was defeated in the House this week.

The key to medical marijuana in New Mexico is thought to be Governor Richardson. He has stated support in the past, but his reliability has been questioned (here, among other places).

Governor Richardson is one of the stars of the Democratic Party, and many Democrats hope to see him make a run for the White House in the future. Since politicians usually play it safe during times of social change, his support for medical marijuana in such a poisoned political climate would be risky. Few aspiring Presidents would take that risk knowingly.

But Governor Richardson is stepping up and smashing any remaining doubts about his sincerity.

The Governor is calling for state lawmakers to approve medical marijuana by the end of next week. He wants the bill that the House defeated revived and made law immediately. Richardson is reportedly leaning on at least a half dozen House members to get them to change their vote and approve medical marijuana for 50-200 sick New Mexicans.

House Speaker Ben Lujan is the leading prohibitionist opposing the bill.

To the suffering sick of New Mexico, we’re pulling for you. Go get ‘em, Governor.