New Mexico Passes Marijuana Legalization Bill

Both chambers of the New Mexico state legislature have approved a bill to legalize recreational marijuana. The law will take effect once it is signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Marijuana Sales to Begin Next Year

According to the new legislation:

• Individuals will be allowed to possess up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of marijuana, 16 grams of marijuana concentrate, and 800 mg of edible cannabis products.
• Residents may grow up to six cannabis plants per person, with a maximum of 12 plants per household.
• By January 1, 2022, the government will approve regulations for issuing licenses to operate in the cannabis market, and sales of cannabis products are expected to begin by April 1, 2022.
• Entrepreneurs can apply for microbusiness licenses, allowing them to cultivate up to 200 cannabis plants, process the harvest, and sell their products.
• New Mexico will impose a 12% excise tax on cannabis products, which will increase by 1% annually starting in 2025 until it reaches 18%.
• The Cannabis Control Division will be responsible for overseeing the cannabis industry.

Governor Lujan Grisham commented on the vote to lift the marijuana ban: “This is a big win for New Mexico. Working people will be able to build careers in a new sector of the economy, and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to start businesses in the cannabis industry. State and local governments will also benefit from additional tax revenue. Consumers will gain access to a regulated market. Those harmed by the war on drugs will be able to have their criminal records expunged.”

New Mexico Residents Support Drug Law Reform

Opponents of marijuana legalization argue that lifting the ban will increase marijuana use among minors and lead to more drivers operating vehicles under the influence. However, supporters believe that criminalizing cannabis cannot solve these problems.

One of the bill’s authors, Representative Javier Martinez, shared his perspective on the new drug policy: “If this law takes effect, we will definitely develop mechanisms to prevent marijuana from ending up in the hands of teenagers. I have children myself, and I don’t want them using any harmful substances.”

According to a recent poll, 74% of New Mexico residents support marijuana legalization, so lawmakers have essentially fulfilled the will of the people. Authorities also plan to focus on addressing the consequences of the war on drugs. Legislators have already passed a law for the automatic expungement of criminal records for offenses related to illegal cannabis possession. In addition, victims of punitive drug policies will be able to start cannabis businesses under preferential conditions. However, as before, cannabis users will still be prohibited from owning firearms.