Richardson's surprise announcement came after he had previously told medical-marijuana activists that his agenda was too full to tackle the issue during the upcoming 30-day legislative session. "After speaking with many seriously ill New Mexicans, I have decided to include this bill on my call," said Richardson. "This issue is too important, and there are too many New Mexicans suffering to delay this issue any further."

The head of the state chapter of the Drug Policy Alliance said she was "thrilled and so grateful" to hear the news. "We're proud to have a governor who will stand up for compassion," said Reena Szczepanski. "We know it was a hard decision."

A medical-marijuana bill attracted bipartisan support in the New Mexico legislature last year, easily passing in the Senate but dying in the House after a dispute between a pair of key lawmakers on an unrelated issue.

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