A bill calling for legalization of medical use of marijuana in New Mexico was approved in the state legislature after winning the support of Gov. Bill Richardson, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported March 13.

The legislation was approved in the state Senate last week, but went down to defeat in the House on a 33-36 vote. However, a slightly amended version was reintroduced this week and, after two hours of debate, passed by a 36-31 margin.

The measure allows New Mexicans to use marijuana to treat pain and other symptoms of diseases like cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, and spinal-cord injuries. The state Health Department will be charged with developing a system for patients to obtain the drug.

The modified bill now heads back to the Senate for reconsideration and expected approval.

"Medically it just really has no value. For us to approve a drug like this tells our children and tells the rest of the people in this state that we, somehow as leaders, give tacit approval to the use of this drug," argued Rep. John Heaton (D-Carlsbad), a pharmacist, last week. Heaton called marijuana as "the No. 1 gateway drug to abusing other drugs in our society."

But Richardson, who only recently endorsed the bill, said, "This bill will provide much-needed relief for New Mexicans suffering from debilitating diseases while including the proper safeguards to prevent abuse. I am pleased that the legislature did the right thing, reconsidered this important bill and supported a humane option for New Mexicans who endure some of the most painful diseases imaginable."