SANTA FE – A New Mexico judge has ordered state officials to issue identification cards for the medical marijuana program to all qualifying patients, including people who live outside the state.

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.