Medical Marijuana law sponsor challenges state AG SANTA FE (KSFR) - -- In an exclusive interview with KSFR news, Albuquerque lawyer and State Sen. Shannon Robinson (D-Bernalillo) is offering to represent for free any state employee charged by federal authorities for taking part in New Mexico's new medical marijuana program.

Robinson says he makes the offer because he's infuriated by the decision by Attorney General Gary King, who has ruled that any state employee charged by federal agents could not have defense representation from the attorney general's office.

Robinson sponsored the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act , Senate Bill 53, that became effective July 1st. It allows certain patients certified by the state health department to use medical marijuana while being exempt from prosecution in state and local laws. It also provides for the health department to set up a state-sponsored plan for the production and distribution of medical marijuana.

He says the attorney general should meet with lawmakers and the health department to help define a way to offer protection to state employees.

Robinson says he may ask the governor to shut down the program temporarily until the legal details can be worked out.

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