The Albuquerque Journal reports the judge’s order Monday was in response to an emergency petition filed by three out-of-state residents after the state Department of Health denied their applications to enter the cannabis program.
A state law that took effect in June removed the program’s New Mexico resident requirement.
Department officials argued the change was not intended to allow non-residents to obtain medical marijuana cards.
It also says allowing non-residents in the program would encourage the transport of cannabis across state lines.
The department says it plans to file a response to the court order later this month.