County seeks state clarity on ambulance drug testing after firefighters urge off-duty medical cannabis guidance

Commissioner Adam Johnson asked the board to send a letter to the New Mexico Department of Transportation requesting clarification about drug-and-alcohol testing requirements for county-operated ambulance drivers, with specific focus on off-duty medical cannabis use. Johnson emphasized the request seeks clarity, not to relax safety standards, and noted Bernalillo County has implemented a policy allowing some off-duty medical cannabis use under controlled circumstances.

Otemio Ortiz, president of the Santa Fe County Firefighters Association, told commissioners the goal is clarity for both labor and management so policies are enforced consistently and fairly. "This is not about allowing firefighters to come to work impaired," Ortiz said; he asked the county to seek definitive guidance from NMDOT. Captain Jeremy Renda told the board he believes recent NMDOT guidance is flawed and could require the county to apply US DOT testing improperly to non‑CDL staff, risking funding and exposing the county to legal liability. The board voted unanimously to send the letter asking for definitive state guidance.