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  NMiF on Facebook  NMiF on Youtube  NMiF on Instagram  NMiF on Twitter