The demand for medical marijuana in New Mexico has outpaced production, leaving some patients to ration their supplies while others are being turned away.
A survey commissioned by the state Department of Health shows producers licensed under the program have turned away thousands of patients in recent months.
The 65-page report detailing the survey was provided to the Albuquerque Journal in response to a public records request.
The report includes the comments of unnamed patients, one of whom had to buy marijuana on the street due to the shortage. That marijuana, the patient said, was cheaper and of better quality.
The number of licensed producers in New Mexico has dropped from 25 to 23, while the number of active certified patients hit 10,289 at the end of October.