Producer Applicants' Lawsuit - Has it hurt or helped the patients?

Greetings all
In another thread, I was attacked for stating that IMO the lawsuit has harmed the program and thus the patients. One way to prove or disprove this OPINION is to take an unscientific poll....

In 2011...when did you send in your initial or renewal application and when did you receive your card?

(please, no debate, just time lines. And if you are still waiting, would like to know that as well)

Family member mailed renewal July 22; still waiting @ 09/10/11.

Thanks for your participation.

Application sent back early June..application fee which was a personal check cashed first week in July...never received request for additional info or an approval denial. Friend sent his application for renewal couple weeks after me and received his renewal 10 days ago. So I would say it is poor organizational skills and lack of staffing that is hurting me personally. It says on the doh. Website all applications are processed in the order they are received, but that's definitely not true. Also on the FAQ it says the program has 30 days to review an application..which is obviously not true either. I don't know that the lawsuit hurt anything..but at this rate they are probably going to be sued again, cause randomly processing applications in no specific order. Or taking patients money but having no record of their application is just terrible service and highly unprofessional. Imagine paying a bill or making a deposit at your bank then hearing they have no record of you(and apparently its not an isolated incident).

I think everyone knows the DOH medical cannabis program is understaffed, and THIS is the primary reason for the backlog. So by trying to limit debate, and somehow try to "scientifically" prove that the lawsuit has CAUSED the backlog - sorry, don't like the way the issue is framed [to prove that since there is a backlog, it MUST be attributable to the lawsuit, and therefore, the lawsuit is bad].
I know this - the primary beneficiary from the lawsuit will be the attorney, Livingston; the attorney's fees generated from the lawsuit will allow him to continue working from home, his mansion in Placitas.
I think the lawsuit is almost as frivolous as Arizona basically suing itself, in Federal Ct...
I also think that, for under 4k patients, if all 25 producers knew what they were doing, there would not be a shortage of medication, and it would be debatable whether we even need any more mega-producers.

Scared

Good point scared

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Originally Posted by ScaredasHell

I think everyone knows the DOH medical cannabis program is understaffed, and THIS is the primary reason for the backlog. So by trying to limit debate, and somehow try to "scientifically" prove that the lawsuit has CAUSED the backlog - sorry, don't like the way the issue is framed [to prove that since there is a backlog, it MUST be attributable to the lawsuit, and therefore, the lawsuit is bad].
I know this - the primary beneficiary from the lawsuit will be the attorney, Livingston; the attorney's fees generated from the lawsuit will allow him to continue working from home, his mansion in Placitas.
I think the lawsuit is almost as frivolous as Arizona basically suing itself, in Federal Ct...
I also think that, for under 4k patients, if all 25 producers knew what they were doing, there would not be a shortage of medication, and it would be debatable whether we even need any more mega-producers.

Scared

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Thanks, Scared
You don't state your time frame here as requested. But you did so on another post that it took you only about 3 weeks to obtain your card and that you received it in April. So your reply for this unscientific poll would be: application sent in April, took 3 weeks for card to arrive. (If I remember the dates and times from the other post correctly.)

BTW - I agree with your final sentence. Until the patient numbers increase and the producers cannot keep up with the demand, I do not believe there is a need, nor will there be any new LNPPs. Once the patient numbers increase and the supply decreases, then we could justify new producers. But, right now, some of the producers have a surplus. (Of course, there are others that do not.) Eventually, the producers will be able to produce enough medicine to exceed patient needs. That is when I expect to see prices decline. Supply & demand.

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Originally Posted by CFO

In 2011...when did you send in your initial or renewal application and when did you receive your card?

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Greetings CFO,

Original app received & $30 PPL M/O redeemed by DOH 06/28/2011
Official Inquiry w/ copy of NMDL and SASE sent to DOH aprox 08/09/2011 (was told two week turn-around for info)
Second app w/ 2nd $30 USPS M/O received by DOH 08/31/2011 (unable to trace due to time-frame)

One email sent to DOH late July 2011
One phone message left w/ DOH voice mail early Aug 2011

Family member app and $30 USPS M/O for PPL received mid-July 2011 (USPS M/O trace in process)

I have heard nothing from the DOH regarding any of the contact attempts listed above nor have I heard any information regarding approval, denial or otherwise to said received applications. The only time I am able to get any info is when I am lucky enough to catch someone on the phone at the DOH, and even then said info is vague and unhelpful (i.e. "We have no information"). The same can be said for family member.

I have tried to be brief here as requested (timeline dates). I have a similar thread in greater detail at the following link if interested.

I hope this information is helpful to everyone.

http://boards.cannabis.com/new-mexic...-approval.html

DD

still no phone call back, been 9 days now since I left a message on their answering machine.
still no response back about regarding my written letter regarding my application status, been exactly month,(self addressed stamped envelope was included)
getting close to three months since my check for my application fee was cashed.

the wait is getting more and more ridiculous everyday, especially when I know someone who sent their renewal application after me and already received there card. Seems the DOH doesn't understand processing applications in the order they are received. or they have no regard for peoples health. at this rate I think another lawsuit is going to filed pretty soon.

Family member received his card 09/22. Exactly two months from date mailed to DOH.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScaredasHell

I think everyone knows the DOH medical cannabis program is understaffed, and THIS is the primary reason for the backlog. So by trying to limit debate, and somehow try to "scientifically" prove that the lawsuit has CAUSED the backlog - sorry, don't like the way the issue is framed [to prove that since there is a backlog, it MUST be attributable to the lawsuit, and therefore, the lawsuit is bad].
I know this - the primary beneficiary from the lawsuit will be the attorney, Livingston; the attorney's fees generated from the lawsuit will allow him to continue working from home, his mansion in Placitas.
I think the lawsuit is almost as frivolous as Arizona basically suing itself, in Federal Ct...
I also think that, for under 4k patients, if all 25 producers knew what they were doing, there would not be a shortage of medication, and it would be debatable whether we even need any more mega-producers.

Scared

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The purpose of this thread was to find out timelines and make an analysis of same. It was not intended for a debate. The debate is being carried on in another thread. But seeing that only a few people have participated the stats aren't hard to determine.

Indeed.

I am a renewing patient. According to my certified mail receipt, the DoH received my paperwork on September 6th. It is now Oct. 20th and all I have gotten is an email response of how they are understaffed and 5 weeks backlogged. I called someone reliable and got (what I thought) was very dangerous advice to buy from a producer anyway since I am already registered with some and they probably wouldn't even know I was lapsed. I am unwilling to jeopardize my spot in the program to do this. I have now been without for quite some time and my neuropathy wakes me up every night feeling like someone is plugging my leg into a light socket (spinal cord injury). It hurts so bad that I can do nothing but cry and squeeze my knee and beg it to stop. I believe making people wait this long is absolutely cruel. If you are understaffed and you know it....hire more staff. What can I do in the mean time? I have called and left messages and could send out an inquiry but then that would take another few months to even hear from anyone, not to mention add to their mail load which the email proclaims was sixty pieces of mail a day. What can I do?? I don't know anyone who would provide me with any medication like a friend or someone. I'm frustrated every day when it isn't in my mail box. It makes me sad.

So sorry for your pain! Our producer checks ID cards every purchase so you are right to be skeptical of the advice you received. It wouldn't be so much of jeopardizing your place in the program, the LNPP would be jeopardizing their license and I doubt any of them is willing to do so.

A friend sent her renewal in about the same time as yours and received it yesterday. So hang in there.

I heard they are hiring 5 people to get through the backlog. Everyone has to remember there is zero funding for this program. The staffing comes from the budget of the Harm Reduction program and it is probably draining their resources.

Keep checking your mail and I pray you will receive it soon.

Just one more example of how the lawsuit has deplenished the human and financial resources of the department and harmed the patients who need it so badly.

I think all the lawsuit did was make even more obvious, that 2 people with no budget cannot run an expanding program currently catering to around 5000 patients. Anyhow, like they say, you can't "unring a bell." I say let the lawsuit proceed, and maybe we'll figure out why some idiot was allowed to stink up the whole town of Roy ("I forgot to attach my carbon filters..."), while other, more sophisticated business plans were denied.

Scared

(Ducking for the scathing response from "Dominick in disguise!!!!!!!!!!")

The same problem with an understaffed Department of Health happened here in Colorado.

Eventually they caught up with the applications, but for about 1 year the turn around was between 6 and 9 months.

No lawsuit was filed. They hired two-dozen temp. staffers to catch up.

It's funny because this year, everybody is renewing at the same time since they sent out a bunch of licenses at once, and they are backed up slightly again. Not nearly as bad though.

I wrote a blog about the green rush in Colorado. I hope other states can learn from how we did it.

Medical marijuana doesn't grow on trees The myth of making it big in Colorado

Disco,
You said you got your card.Are you still scared?

M.O.B. - Think you may have confused me w/ "Disco Donaldson." Glad to hear he finally got his card.

Scared

ScaredasHell, I think putting Scared at the end of all your posts might confuse some people since they might think you are actually feeling scared instead of thinking it's your username. Consider using your full user name as a signature to avoid confusion, I mean if you want to. Just a suggestion for ya.

OK I will do that. Gotta know the history, when I joined up I had previously had a CA card, but had no NM card for a while. Then I got the card and PPL. So now I'm stuck with a username that really doesn't make any sense anymore. I guess now, I'm just basically "scared" about the feds, a little, but not really.

(NOT) ScaredasHell

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Originally Posted by ScaredasHell

I think all the lawsuit did was make even more obvious, that 2 people with no budget cannot run an expanding program currently catering to around 5000 patients. Anyhow, like they say, you can't "unring a bell." I say let the lawsuit proceed, and maybe we'll figure out why some idiot was allowed to stink up the whole town of Roy ("I forgot to attach my carbon filters..."), while other, more sophisticated business plans were denied.

Scared

(Ducking for the scathing response from "Dominick in disguise!!!!!!!!!!")

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Not happening! LOL. Just a reminder that no application has been "denied" as of yet.

Just curious...how do you hear these things? (Roy producer.). Am I just too far south? Wouldn't have known about the Clovis bust if it weren't for a friend.

CFO it was in the news

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Originally Posted by alfonso2002

CFO it was in the news

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Either I am not getting enough news or it wasn't on the El Paso stations which is all we get down here. Thanks!

I think it was on kob channel 4 a few weeks ago I think.You might check there web site maybe still there.

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Originally Posted by alfonso2002

I think it was on kob channel 4 a few weeks ago I think.You might check there web site maybe still there.

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Found the Albuquerque story. So sorry to hear. But in response to the comment by ScaredasHell that the producer is an "idiot".....he is such an "idiot" that he was one of the first to be licensed. Go figure. He was smart enough to submit his application with all of the requirements listed in the rules and regulations that he was awarded the license. Hopefully all of this publicity hasn't put him at risk.

Yea your right again that there location should not be known to the public.

A friend dropped off their first time enrollment August 2nd and still no card as of today. Outrageous!

No,I know the difference.Disco will understand what I mean.....

Dude was interviewed on the news standing in front of his stinky greenhouse; I'd say the damage is done. Then they cut to Dominick saying [odor, proximity to others] it is a "big factor." Whatever.

[formerly] ScaredasHell

Got a link to that news story?

Town residents: medical marijuana reeks | Roy, NM | KRQE News 13

I think this is the one where Dominick Z. calls smell a "big factor." (after the fact?)

(no longer) ScaredasHell

I understand how the smell could be a red flag for criminals looking to break in. However, the residents who just can't stand the smell and are afraid of their children smelling it, saying it's just SO hard to deal with, need to get a grip. I've met Mario a few times and he's been to my house to deliver medication before. He is a nice man who I believe sincerely wants to help people feel better. I wish people were this concerned when I have to inhale their cancer causing cigarette smoke(via my AC vents nonetheless in my OWN HOME) or am running over their alcohol glass bottles with my tires. THAT is real danger. Priorities people. I would rather smell cannabis over booze or cigs any day of my life. By the way...LOVE the emotional appeal of focusing on the little children's plastic play house. Pathetic. These adults can't just explain to their children that it's medicine? That is where it starts. With the young ones. Instead they're going to inherit the same stigmatic attitude that these old people have about it. That is sad and an injustice.

Just an update. DOH called me today and said they are now processing paperwork received in the first week of September (mine got there on Sept.6). The man I spoke with said it should be process and sent out in the next couple weeks and if I don't hear from them by then to call back. I'll know next time to apply atleast 90 days in advance just in case! :wtf:

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Originally Posted by CosmicScorpio

Just an update. DOH called me today and said they are now processing paperwork received in the first week of September (mine got there on Sept.6). The man I spoke with said it should be process and sent out in the next couple weeks and if I don't hear from them by then to call back. I'll know next time to apply atleast 90 days in advance just in case! :wtf:

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Hope it arrives soon. With all the money the producers will soon be paying, you should be able to send your paperwork in 30 days prior to expiration and have it back on time a year from now. Take care.

Update: Today I received my renewed card in the mail, exactly 9 weeks to the day (Sept.6) that my paperwork was received. What a relief to finally be able to buy medication safely again.

nice to hear you got your card.The worst part of it was that the producers had there hands tied on being able to supply you if you don't have a card that is current. All good now.

Yes Alfonso. I did not follow the bad advice I got to go ahead and order even though I was not current. I'm unwilling to jeopardize my good standing by doing that, or buying it from anyone anywhere for that matter. I would rather go without than be in a position that would cause me to lose my program eligibility.

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Originally Posted by CosmicScorpio

Yes Alfonso. I did not follow the bad advice I got to go ahead and order even though I was not current. I'm unwilling to jeopardize my good standing by doing that, or buying it from anyone anywhere for that matter. I would rather go without than be in a position that would cause me to lose my program eligibility.

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Good thinking! If any of the LNPP were to sell to you with an expired card THEY would have jeopardized their license. Hoping none of them offered to sell to you without seeing your card. We all have to follow the rules if we want to keep this program. Glad to hear your card finally arrived.

OK, I know I am late on this thread,but I sent my app in Aug 22rd and I got my card Nov 2nd. Approx 73 days just for the record. Glad I now have it.

Let me just say I am confused by the actions or inactions of the dispencarys in Albq. I applied to all local disp. on the 3rd and have only heard back from 2-3 out of 10 to let me know I am reg'd and able to purchase. the rest have not even replied. Guess they don't get my money. Bad business in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by InsuranceGuy

OK, I know I am late on this thread,but I sent my app in Aug 22rd and I got my card Nov 2nd. Approx 73 days just for the record. Glad I now have it.

Let me just say I am confused by the actions or inactions of the dispencarys in Albq. I applied to all local disp. on the 3rd and have only heard back from 2-3 out of 10 to let me know I am reg'd and able to purchase. the rest have not even replied. Guess they don't get my money. Bad business in my opinion.

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Thanks for participating. Maybe now that they have been able to acquire the funding needed to hire a few more people, the turn around time will get back to 30 days.
Regarding the producers....unless you need a password from them to access their web pages, you should be able to call them, ask regarding status, and order. They usually ask for your patient ID # so have that available. With over 4,000 active patients and many receiving the same info you did during the last thirty days, the producers don't have the staffing or time to contact each patient. Contact the one you are most interested in dealing with first and then each one after. Good luck!

I'm having the same issue. I contacted serveral and fax info to the one closet to me on 11-8-2011 and called on 11-10-2011 and still nada.

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Originally Posted by yellowsnow

I'm having the same issue. I contacted serveral and fax info to the one closet to me on 11-8-2011 and called on 11-10-2011 and still nada.

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Where are you located?