How long until NM DOH MCP approval?

Hi ya gang, long time lurker, first time poster.

I just wanted to create a thread that examines the wait time for approval of applications and delivery of Medicinal Cannabis cards in New Mexico. I have seen a several posts from earlier this year stating 30 days, but I am experiencing a longer wait time and thought that others might be experiencing the same.

I got all my paper work in order and sent it to the DOH USPS First Class mail w/ Delivery Confirmation and it was received by them on June 28th 2011. I was told by my doc to allow 30 days for delivery card and if I had no news by then to be sure to contact the DOH and ask for a status update. Being patient I waited aprox 35 days before calling (week of August 1st). Upon talking with the DOH, I was told that there was no record of my application, but that they we currently processing applications submitted/received mid-June, and that she just processed 100 apps the past week. I was informed that the department was receiving a lot of applications and that the average turn-around was 40 days. I was told if I wanted to submit a formal inquiry to the department that it would take two weeks to get a definite answer as to my status. I explained that they received my app June 28 and that it was probably just a matter of days and I would continue to wait patiently.

After another week with no information, I thought it would not hurt to submit a formal inquiry into the status of my application. I wrote a brief letter, copied my NMDL as per their request and even included a self addressed stamped envelope for the departmentâ??s ease of processing. This was the week of August 8th.

After yet another week of no information, I called the department to express my concern. I was told that there was still no information regarding my application, received or otherwise. I asked if maybe I should re-submit; that I made copies of all my submitted forms. I was told that was up to me, but I would need an actual doctorâ??s signature on my Medical Certification Form. I mentioned that I had submitted a formal request for information regarding my application and this time was told that formal requests of application status were taking 30 days to process. I decided to patiently wait one more week prior to re-filing.

At this point I figured my application had been lost in the mail or mis-handled by the DOH (week of August 22nd) I contacted my doctor and got him to re-sign the required form, gathered up all my previously completed documents and readied for delivery. I figured that it might be good idea to track my $30 USPS money order for my PPL so I went to the Post Office and got that started (5 days for info I was told). At the end of the week everything was ready to go, but to be on the safe side I decided to wait until early the following week to resubmit, just in case it made it in over the weekend.

I had to travel to ABQ on Monday, September 29th and thought I would send from a Post Office there, just in caseâ?¦change things up. I purchased a second $30 M/O for the PPL since I had no information at the time regarding the original and included it with my second application. Parcel was sent USPS Certified First Class Mail with Signature Confirmation this time. Upon arriving home from ABQ, I noticed that my tracking information regarding my original M/O had been received in the mail. It seems that the USPS M/O for $30 that was sent with my original application was redeemed by the NM DOH on June 28th, 2010, the day my original set of paper work was received according to the delivery confirmation info provided by the Post Office.

So, fellow forum folks, as I write this on the morning of September 3rd, 2010, it has been Sixty-six (66) days since my original application and original $30 M/O was received by the NM DOH. Almost 4 weeks since my formal request for information regarding my application was submitted. I have received no information on either; approved, denied, or otherwise.

I thought that perhaps others may be experiencing similar results, or maybe I am the unlucky one whose info just got put in the wrong stack.

Of course I will update as I learn more, regardless of outcome. Sorry for the lengthy tale, I just wanted to be thorough.

Please share if you have any similar experiences.

TL;DR â?? I am still waiting for information from the NM DOH regarding my program application for over 60 days now. No card or letter of approval, denial or otherwise.

Email sent.

I think you are one of the unlucky ones that your paper work was misplaced but you say that your money order was cashed.the two apps are sent to the same address. but take different routes within the department.Something just went wrong at the department.Your not a gambler are you? If you are your luck is running in the wrong way. Just keep on top of it.I have never heard of any one having to wait this long. DOH is doing a lot of apps. since the expo so that might have something to do with the mix up. They only have 3 people working in the department so just hang in there. I had my renewal last month and it took about 40 days to get it. good luck if you still have any left.LOL

Same exact thing here...sent my renewal paperwork off in early Jne..my application fee was cashed early July..was a personal check so my bank was able to confirm. Here I am in Sept and have not received an APPROVAL/ OR DENIAL..OR
REQUEST for additional info..sent off a written request about my application,with the self addressed stamped envelope 3 weeks ago...still havent heard a thing.
I thought I got blackballed cause of being a vocal person in the community.

Hi MimbresValley KEEP YOUR SHORTS ON they are doing new apps by the hand full so renewals are on the back burner but they are being done when you get your card the date of renewal will be the date that your last card was to expire

I have been patiently waiting for 3 months :) although my friend sent in his renewal weeks after mine and received his card about ten days ago.
Plus lets say it takes another month before I get my card, instead of getting a year of use out of it, then I only have a valid card for 8 months instead of a year.
Pre dating my card back to when I originally sent in my application out would be a disservice to me.

Im just glad to hear im not the only one getting the run around.

My application was received by the Department of Health on July 18th. As of Wednesday I had heard nada so decided to call.

I was told there was no record of my application, but they were currently working on all applications received from mid-July and sooner. I was also told that they had brought in several more personal from other departments to help relive some of the overload the department has been experiencing due the volume of applications being received.

Not sure if they were sincere or just telling me what I wanted to hear, but regardless I am currently at 52 days since they received my application and I do not have my card, nor have I received any information either way.

MimbresValley, you mentioned blackballing/runaround. Sheer incompetence may be more like it, if not just a simple lack of caring.

Oops…did I just say that out loud?

TG

Well... I have yet to talk to anyone over thephone. But if they cashed someones application fee and have no record of that persons application.there is some serious serious issues.. how the hell can they take your money and deposit it in the mcp bank account but have no record of your payment/application. If they tellme there is no record of my application....i am going to flip out...i can get a letter from my bank showing they cashed my check. If they have no record of my payment/it starting to make total sense why they are being sued in the first place. That makes no since.
Sure its easy to say keep ur pants on when--you-- got your card in a timely manner. Would u be dining a different tune if it had been over 70 days and they have no record of your application but they had taken your money.

I honestly thought I had been selectively blackballed due to how vocal I am in the cummunity.cause in my email correspondence I was told they process all applications in the order they were received..but my friend sent his application in weeks after me. And already received his renewal over a week ago. I think the doh needs to update their FAQ...cause it clearly states they have 30days to review an application. Today I called the program to talk to someone and on their voicemail message it says it can take up to 30 days to get a call back even. I don't. Even know how to feel That this happening to other people as well. Kinda rellieved but still upset that this happening to others

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Originally Posted by Tank_Girl

My application was received by the Department of Health on July 18th. As of Wednesday I had heard nada so decided to call.

I was told there was no record of my application, but they were currently working on all applications received from mid-July and sooner. I was also told that they had brought in several more personal from other departments to help relive some of the overload the department has been experiencing due the volume of applications being received.

Not sure if they were sincere or just telling me what I wanted to hear, but regardless I am currently at 52 days since they received my application and I do not have my card, nor have I received any information either way.

MimbresValley, you mentioned blackballing/runaround. Sheer incompetence may be more like it, if not just a simple lack of caring.

Oops…did I just say that out loud?

TG

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Hi tank Girl You say that they received your app on the 18th of july.How do you know that it was received?There is a record if you know that it was received.Thing will start running a little better after the 1st of the year when they start to get renewal fees from the producers. and have some cash to hire I think that I heard that they will be hiring 15 new employees. as of now there are 5000+ patients in the program and counting with only 3 poeple to handel all the paper work. I know it is no help now but things will get better in the next year.Also all the people with ppls can expect a site vist from DOH in the next year when these new people get on board.

Update...

I wanted to check my mail before posting today so I could hopefully post some good news; unfortunately that is not the case :(.

I called on Tuesday of this week and spoke with a lady by the name of Jane. I explained my situation (Orig app received date, formal inquiry date, re-applied date, no infor from DOH, etc, etc) and was told that they were currently working on July 15th applications and apps received prior to that date. She checked the computer for my name, told me there was nothing there. Same ole song and dance as the other times I have called (new person though). Just before she let me go however, I was able to add the fact that my $30 USPS M/O for my PPL was redeemed the day of my original application was received by the DOH. She sat there for a second, then said “REALLY?!” as if in dis-belief. I told her that was correct and she asked me again for my name and a phone number which I gave her.

No one from the DOH has called me at anytime, let alone after that conversation.

TL;DR – 73 days since original NMDOH MCP application received (and PPL M/O redeemed) by DOH and no information as to acceptance, denial or otherwise received.

DD

I consider my application received the day the doh cashed my application check, which was paper clipped on the last page of my application....not the day it was received at the office as shown by my delivery confirmation service through the post office. My check was cashed first week in July. Its ridiculous they cashed your money order but have no record of you. What number did you call? When I called I got a voicemail saying up to thirty days before they will call back.

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Originally Posted by MimbresValley

...What number did you call? When I called I got a voicemail saying up to thirty days before they will call back.

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I call the number as listed on the main website for the DOH MCP. As listed "CONTACT INFORMATION »
If you have questions, please contact the Medical Cannabis Program Staff at (505) 827-2321 or email [email protected]".

I only left a message one time, no one called back. So I just keep calling every few minutes until I get a live person on the phone.

I am always pleasant when speaking with then; patient and polite. However, at this point I question the whole "catch more flies with honey" idealism and am considering going a more angered route.

Will update when I can.

DD

What happened to our scheduled meeting,Disco?

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Originally Posted by Disco Donaldson

I only left a message one time, no one called back. So I just keep calling every few minutes until I get a live person on the phone.

DD

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thats epic, say hello to the blacklist :)
lol

Two thoughts on this I guess.

Japanese proverb -> "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down." or

American Humorist John Billings -> "...the squeaky wheel gets the grease."


DD


P.S. This one from Abe Lincoln is good too -> "To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men."

for whatever its worth, and what I find rather annoying and fairly stupid, that on the DOH medical cannabis official site it says they have "thirty days" to review an application. Why have some time frame posted on the official site that is complete Bullshit. Its been around 80 days since my application fee was cashed, I think over a 100 days since the office received my application. They should have something like 100 days + posted on the website if they are so backed up.
Its been almost a month since I sent a written request for info, still haven't heard anything.

and when you call to talk to someone they say it can take 30 days to get a call back. 505-827-2321.

how do we even communicate with the DOH, what if I miss their call, do I have to call back and wait another 30 days..

the whole thing is pretty ridiculous, but yeah most ridiculous is the bullshit timeline they have posted.

A patient can send in their renewal and in the DOH"s paperwork it says make sure you get your application in 30 days before your card expires so your service in not interrupted. they should have get your renewal application in at least a 100 days before..

I had all my stuff in just as I should but because of the backlog I ended up having to break down my whole grown and also lost all my strains which had taken me several years to acquire and worked well for my medical condition, which could have been avoided had they posted a realistic time frame, and not that 30 day crap.
sorry for the crappy message, typing from my cell phone.

if they had something realistic posted up, I would have sent my renewal off back in march or something... Im not so upset that they are back logged. just really unprofessional how they are handelingthings.

MimbresValley I think you jumped the gun you say "I ended up having to break down my whole grown and also lost all my strains which had taken me several years to acquire and worked well for my medical condition,". I think I posted a while back that I also Got my card a little late when I did my renewal this last year but when I did get it the date of renewal was the date that my last card had expired so If you got rid of your grow that was on you as long as you have your paper work in even if you don't have your card you are ok if law enforcement was to check you would be in good standing with the department.Sorry to hear you lost your strains.

what if the police show up, they call the DOH and they*DOH* have no record of my application.
The DOH cashed disco's MO but have no record of his application, I don't know if they have any record of my application cause nobody answers the phone when you call, sent in a request for info with the self addressed stamped envelope, no reply.

i also live with my fiancee, don't want to risk causing her problems.
I still haven't got a call back from the DOH from the message I left last week, ill let you guys know how long things end up taking for me.
nothing in the mail yet.

I just tried to go to the medical cannabis program site, and its down. Im going to laugh if they change the 30 day thing after I posted that message this morning,

Minbres DOH has someone answering the phone so if you just keep trying you will get someone to talk to.

still no phone call back, been a week now since I left a message.
still no response back about my application status, been a month.
getting close to three months since my check for my application fee was cashed.

I think im going to give it another month from today, if I don't get some type of response. I may just have to resort to legal action, its posted on the DOH website 30 days, and other people have sent their application in after me and already received their card. so I can prove the whole first come first serve thing is total crap.

Sorry to hear all the problems you are having just to get your renewal card. don't know what more you can do.

Not much to update, called the DOH multiple times on Tuesday, a few times Wednesday and twice on Thursday; got through on Thursday.

A gentleman answered the phone and said all they were doing at this time is taking people’s numbers and returning their calls. I explained I have called and left my number multiple times in the past, no one has yet to call me back but okay, if that’s what they are saying then whatever. I gave them my name, quick info as to date original app received, M/O redeemed, 2nd app received, formal inquiry received and a contact phone number. I asked him at that point “So…someone WILL call me back, right?!” He assured me that someone would call me back.

No one from the NM DOH has called me back and I am confident (from previous experience) that they will not.

TL;DR – 87 days since original NMDOH MCP application received (and PPL M/O redeemed) by DOH and no information as to acceptance, denial or otherwise received.

DD

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Disco Donaldson

Not much to update, called the DOH multiple times on Tuesday, a few times Wednesday and twice on Thursday; got through on Thursday.

A gentleman answered the phone and said all they were doing at this time is taking people’s numbers and returning their calls. I explained I have called and left my number multiple times in the past, no one has yet to call me back but okay, if that’s what they are saying then whatever. I gave them my name, quick info as to date original app received, M/O redeemed, 2nd app received, formal inquiry received and a contact phone number. I asked him at that point “So…someone WILL call me back, right?!” He assured me that someone would call me back.

No one from the NM DOH has called me back and I am confident (from previous experience) that they will not.

TL;DR – 87 days since original NMDOH MCP application received (and PPL M/O redeemed) by DOH and no information as to acceptance, denial or otherwise received.

DD

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Disco I think we all know what the problem is over there. They need more HELP!!!. The number of patients in the program has sored to over 5000 DOH has to deal with new apps. plus all the renewals and then there are the PPLs that have to be issued. They have 6 hands working so that comes to 3 persons that are doing all the paper work. After the new year things should change for the better when DOH starts to get monies from producers renewals. I heard somewhere that they were going to hire 15 new people. You are one of the unlucky ones that things did not go so smooth for.

still no phone call back. still no news from the DOH in regards to my written request asking about the status of my application :mad:

that really sucks

DD & MV: my brother-in-law is in the same boat. Sent app on July 22nd. I am beginning to wonder if someone in the mailroom is diverting the mail. Also, spoke with Dominick and he was out ill for the past few days so that means there were only two people working on everything. All we can do is be patient. Hang in there.

Card received yesterday, 09/22/11. Two months from date mailed.

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Originally Posted by CFO

Card received yesterday, 09/22/11. Two months from date mailed.

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CFO was that a first issue or a renewal? And what date did it have on it? thanks

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Originally Posted by alfonso2002

CFO was that a first issue or a renewal? And what date did it have on it? thanks

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Renewal and dated to expire 09/19/12.

Then I guess you did not have a valid lic. from the date of your last card expiration date?That don't sound good if you would have been check at that time you would not have been in good standings with DOH? Hoping that they get this straightened out pretty quick.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alfonso2002

Then I guess you did not have a valid lic. from the date of your last card expiration date?That don't sound good if you would have been check at that time you would not have been in good standings with DOH? Hoping that they get this straightened out pretty quick.

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Well, the renewal card shows the original issue date of July 22,2010 with a new expiration date of Sept. 19, 2012. And since he failed to send the paperwork in thirty days before his card expired, then, yes, he was partaking illegally. Hopefully all those pending will be receiving their cards soon.

CFO can you tell me how you knew that "And since he failed to send the paperwork in thirty days before his card expired". I don't remenber him saying he sent it late.

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Originally Posted by alfonso2002

CFO can you tell me how you knew that "And since he failed to send the paperwork in thirty days before his card expired". I don't remenber him saying he sent it late.

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I am referring to my brother-in-law. His renewal paperwork was mailed the day his card expired rather than 30 days ahead of expiration.

OK thanks misunderstood who you were talking about

I may have killed my first post - I'll try again.

They should have received my application 37 days ago and no response yet. I assume I have to send a letter asking for status and then wait for it to go through the process.

I have a newbie question - I hope to home grow. I heard that seeds are not available - you have to buy clones. They give me permission to grow but not to buy seeds? What is the price range for clones??

As far as I know it is taking at least 60 days at this time.Who gave you permission to grow but not buy seed's. If you have a Department of Health Personal Production License you can buy seeds or clones from LNNP's.Price range for clones is 0-unknown it depends on a lot of factors.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alfonso2002

As far as I know it is taking at least 60 days at this time.Who gave you permission to grow but not buy seed's. If you have a Department of Health Personal Production License you can buy seeds or clones from LNNP's.Price range for clones is 0-unknown it depends on a lot of factors.

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Just to add a little....some of the producers are focusing on quality, medicinal grade herb. Seeds are an unwanted commodity in general. However, we expect some will start focusing on selective pollination for seeds. Most of the producers have clones. Buying clones, in my opinion, is better because you KNOW you are getting a female plant. Try the strains from a LNPP that works for you and then purchase a clone (or 4). Than you don't have to worry if your seeds aren't feminized. A few years ago I bought seeds once from a foreign source and half the plants turned out to be male!!! Not worth the fortune I spent on the seeds. Personally, I prefer the clones. Good luck and welcome to the program. Your card should arrive soon.

Alright,

Update of all updates.

I got my card Saturday September 18th, 2011 (postmarked 09-16-11). The DOH received said application on June 28th, 2011. I wanted to wait until family member got their card to ensure the timeframe is accurate with mine as well as theirs, and it was close. Family member’s paperwork received by DOH on July 18th, 2011 and just received their card this afternoon, September 30th, 2011 (postmarked 09-28-11)

In addition, I received a call from the DOH Wednesday of this week in response to my “official inquiry” sent in to the DOH around August 8th. I was informed the call was concerning my “official inquiry” and was told that a card was sent out on said date and was asked if I had received said card. I was told that they were just getting to the stack of paperwork with that time frame's date on it and therefore was the result in the delay of follow up.

I hope this info is additionally helpful to anyone whose is wondering the expected wait in turnaround time.

DD

TL;DR - Finally got my approval at almost 90 days. Family member less by aprox 2 weeks.


:thumbsup:

Glad to hear that you got your card. Did you apply for your ppl at the same time and if so did you get it also?

Congrats.