(Santa Fe) - The New Mexico Department of Health today announced the approval of four additional state-licensed medical cannabis providers to ensure that patients have safe access to their medicine. In March, New Mexico became the first state to grant a license for the production and distribution of medical marijuana, as required under the 2007 Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act.

Advocates lauded the progress of the Department's move to expand patients' access to medical marijuana.

"Today is a great day for the patients of New Mexico who are enrolled in the Medical Cannabis Program," said Reena Szczepanski, Director of Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico. "The state is continuing to address the need for a safe, secure supply of medicine."

Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico worked with countless patient advocates across the state to win approval for the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act.  Governor Bill Richardson also advocated for and signed the legislation, citing the plight of suffering patients seeking relief.

The approval of additional production and distribution facilities in New Mexico follows the Obama administration's recent pledge to halt federal prosecution of medical marijuana patients and providers who abide by their state's medical marijuana laws.

Following the example of New Mexico, the Rhode Island legislature in June passed a law expanding that state's medical marijuana law to allow for state-licensed compassion centers to grow and distribute medical marijuana to registered patients. Earlier this month, Maine voters approved a measure to establish a regulated system of nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries in that state.