On March 31st, New Mexico passed the new Cannabis Regulation Act, allowing the sale and possession of cannabis for recreational purposes. In a statement, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham promised to sign the bill "soon enough."
With the news of New York's legalisation, New Mexico has taken a low-key approach in the media regarding their legislative process for the new bill. It will go into effect on June 29th, less than a year from now.
The new act is expected to allow adults over the age of 21 to purchase and possess cannabis. It will also allow up to 2 ounces per person outside the home, and its use will be restricted to designated areas, similar to tobacco. Furthermore, Gov. Lujan stated that the bill will expunge criminal records for those who have previously been charged with marijuana possession, with the possibility of dismissing convictions. She claims that the new bill will benefit both workers and businesses by creating new jobs and increasing tax revenue for the state.
On April 2, 2022, the state will allow legal sales. However, when it comes to retail prices, medicinal marijuana is expected to be among the most expensive in the country. Regardless, it is unclear whether this will change once recreational sales begin.
In terms of sales, growth, and possession, the measures included are comparable to those in New York.
New Mexico legalised medicinal cannabis in 2017 under the Lynn and Erin Compassion Use Act. With the passage of the new bill, New Mexico will become the 17th state in the country to legalise recreational marijuana use.
Publish in Hoosh! News, 2/04/2021
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