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NM’s Cannabis Anniversary, Nuclear Disposal Decision Nears & Breaking the Cycle of Dependency


NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio introduces this week’s podcast with several state headlines, including the decision from prosecutors to drop the manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin without prejudice. That means charges against the actor can still be refiled.
Gene Grant and The Line Opinion Panel assess the first year of recreational cannabis sales in our state. The panelists respond to questions about equity in the cannabis market, tax revenue and industry regulation.


Then, the panel dives into several pressing environmental issues impacting New Mexico. Those include a request to extend the license at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Plant, a pending decision that would create yet another nuclear waste dump and historic flooding in the Jemez River Valley.  


Finally, Lou speaks with Dr. Larry Leeman from UNM Health Sciences about a new study he’ll lead using MDMA to help new mothers break the cycle of opiod dependency. Right now, Dr. Leeman is the medical director at the University’s Milagro program, which treats expectant mothers who are addicted. But, Dr. Leeman says methadone and buprenorphine treatments aren’t always successful. That’s why he’s leading a first-of-its-kind study aimed at addressing the underlying mental traumas that feed addiction.


Host: Lou DiVizio
Line Host: Gene Grant
Line Opinion Panelists: Andy Lyman, staff writer, Santa Fe Reporter  Shaun Griswold, editor, Source New Mexico  Dede Feldman, former NM State Senator 
Guest: Dr. Larry Leeman, MD, MPH, medical director, Milagro Program, UNM School of Medicine  For More Information:

Prosecutors Dismiss Alec Baldwin Charge, Citing New Evidence – Associated Press

Source: New Evidence About Gun Led to Dropping of Charges Against Baldwin – Santa Fe New Mexican

Judge OKs Monthslong Delay in Hearing for Rust Criminal Case – Santa Fe New Mexican  

Report: Albuquerque, Eddy County Among Nation’s Worst for Ozone – Santa Fe New Mexican 

Tribes Seel Invitation to Rio Grande Water Commission – Associated Press 

Bernalillo County & UNM Hope to Partner on Inmate Healthcare – Albuquerque Journal 

Taxing the Toke – Santa Fe Reporter 

Cannabis Constant – Santa Fe Reporter 

Familia Verde – Santa Fe Reporter 

Green Equity – Santa Fe Reporter 

Deadline for public comment on WIPP permit closes Wednesday – Source NM 

NM ready to defend new nuclear waste bill against industry and federal opposition – Source NM 

Flood watch: Jemez River reaches levels not seen in 30 years – Albuquerque Journal 

Big flows on New Mexico’s Rio Jemez – John Fleck, water researcher at UNM’s Utton Center 

Breaking the Cycle of Drug Dependency – UNM Health Sciences 

Psychedelic Therapies at the Crossroads of Trauma and Substance Use – Candace R. Lewis 

Doctors urge access to psychedelic therapies in New Mexico – The Associated Press 

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