Richardson (NM) to legalize medical marijuana

The legislation would create a program under which some patients — with a doctor‘s recommendation — could use marijuana provided by the state health department. Lawmakers approved the bill Wednesday. The governor is expected to sign it in the next few weeks.

"Give him credit. It‘s not something you do because you‘re going to garner great political support for it. It is a bit controversial," said Thomas Mann, a political analyst at the Brookings Institution in Washington. By the same token, Mann says, it is not likely to hurt him in the Democratic contests.

"It‘s an interesting risk," added Lonna Atkeson, professor of political science at the University of New Mexico. "I‘m somewhat surprised, because I think he‘s sort of cautious, usually."

Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico said Richardson will be the first presidential candidate ever to advocate medical marijuana "by vocally supporting and signing legislation."

Richardson said he has been asked about the issue by only a few voters while campaigning in Iowa. He said the White House had urged him not to sign the bill.

The federal government declares marijuana an illegal controlled substance with no medical value.

The Supreme Court ruled against a woman two years ago, saying medical marijuana users and their suppliers could be prosecuted for breaching federal drug laws even if they lived in a state such as California where medical pot is legal.