New Mexico joins the growing number of states in legalizing cannabis for its citizens with its border. They were one of three states who had established July 1st as the start of legalization, along with Virginia and Connecticut.
Under the timeline established by the Cannabis Control Division which will fall under the state regulation and licensing department, they require an advisory committee be established to begin accepting business license applications no later than September 1st. Qualified retailers will be issued licenses on January 1st, 2022 while retail sales must begin no later than April 1, 2022.
New Mexican citizens are allowed to grow up to 12 plants without a license. Consumers, they must be 21 and over and are allowed to conceal carry up to two ounces. As it stands, they can’t smoke it in public and no one under 21 is allowed to possess cannabis.
“After decades of people being arrested for simply possessing cannabis or growing a few plants, New Mexicans are finally able to exhale,” Emily Kaltenbach, Senior Director for Resident States and New Mexico for the Drug Policy Alliance, said in a press release. “But make no mistake, this fight isn’t over. We still have our work cut out for us to fully repair the damage that has been done as a result of prohibition, and that means advocating for equity and diversity in the new industry and coming back during the 2022 budget session to ensure funds are made available for critical reinvestment in the communities that have been most harmed.”[1]
New Mexico is the latest state to impose commercialization. But until a federal bill is passed all cannabis businesses must stay within state boundaries. Be sure to consult what those are before you conduct business in the states that have legalized it.
[1] https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-mexico-marijuana-legalization-law-officially-takes-effect/