NEW MEXICO (AP) -- SANTA FE (AP) - The state Department of Health is accepting

applications from nonprofit businesses that want to produce and

distribute medical marijuana to patients in New Mexico.

Qualified patients also can apply to produce medical marijuana

for themselves.

The department announced Friday it has finalized its regulations

for identification cards and for a production and distribution

system.

Health Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil says patients now can get

medical marijuana for chronic conditions in a way that's safe and

legal under state law.

A 2007 law allows certified people to use marijuana for pain or

other symptoms of debilitating illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma,

epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, HIV-AIDS and certain spinal cord

injuries.

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