A couple of stories from American law enforcement's strange split personality regarding marijuana decriminalization are rolling out this week.

In New Mexico, medicinal marijuana has been available by prescription since July 1; the bill was signed into law by state governor and presidential hopeful Bill Richardson in April. This week, the New Mexico Business Weekly is reporting that "Proposed rules for medical marijuana providers could open the door to private nonprofit or for-profit producers in New Mexico."

Such laws led to the "capitalistic free-for-all" in California, reports the piece and the voice of sobriety here is New Mexico medical cannabis program director Melissa Milam, quoted as describing it thusly: "California's gotten really out of control."

Meanwhile, in the Golden State, the nearly-formed legal advocacy group Union of Medical Marijuana Providers together with L.A.'s Arts District Healing Center has announced a lawsuit in US District Court requesting an injunction on the Drug Enforcement Agency. Turns out that the DEA has been sending letters to commercial property owners warned of possible federal prosecution should they rent to legally authorized medical marijuana providers; UMMP has been fighting this federal action in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Said UMMP executive director James Shaw, "When I saw Representative Conyers statement regarding the DEA's abuse of their power in order to thwart California's law, I knew that our legal efforts were beginning to pay off. The DEA has alienated too many citizens with their heavy-handed 'above the law tactics' for too long. We welcome all the support we can find in our efforts to ensure our rights are protected."