Exciting news! Adult-use cannabis sales begin today in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexicans 21 and older are now able to begin making retail purchases of cannabis.
Last year, New Mexico became the 18th state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the fifth to do so through the legislative process rather than by voter initiative. Today’s launch of adult-use sales comes exactly 366 days after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Cannabis Regulation Act into law.
The law officially went into effect on June 29, 2021. Adults can legally possess up to two ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to six mature plants. You can read a summary of the law, which was HB 2, here.
According to Victor Reyes, Deputy Director of the state’s Cannabis Control Division, the agency has already issued nearly 100 licenses for cannabis producers, manufacturers, and retailers. Reyes did admit that, due to backlog, there is a potential that some retailers will still not be ready to sell come April 1.
For more information on the adult-use cannabis program in New Mexico, check out the Cannabis Control Division’s website.
Stay tuned for future updates as the program continues to roll out, and thank you to everyone who made this historic day possible!
- Take Action: Urge your state legislators to support a compassionate medical cannabis program!
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New Mexico: Adult-use cannabis sales launch today!
New Mexico governor signs cannabis legalization measures!
It’s been an incredible couple of weeks for cannabis policy reform, Kate!
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham just signed two bills that will end cannabis prohibition in the state! The first, HB 2, legalizes cannabis for adults, while companion legislation, SB 2, allows for automatic expungement of past cannabis convictions and pardons for those currently incarcerated for low-level marijuana offenses.
The state legislature passed the two measures during a special session called by the governor, who has been a vocal champion of cannabis policy reform. With Gov. Grisham’s signature, New Mexico is now the 18th state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the fifth to do so through the legislative process rather than by voter initiative.
The Cannabis Regulation Act (HB 2) legalizes, regulates, and taxes cannabis for adults 21 and older, allowing for personal possession of at least two ounces and home cultivation of six plants. You can read a summary of the new law here.
Congratulations to all of the lawmakers and advocates who made this victory possible!
New Mexico’s success comes on the heels of a win in Virginia, where just last Wednesday, the legislature gave final approval to Gov. Ralph Northam's requested amendments — to speed up legal possession and home cultivation to July 2021 (versus 2024) — to a legislatively passed legalization bill. On March 31, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also signed cannabis legalization into law. And, MPP’s work continues on legalization efforts that are still alive and well in the Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island state legislatures.
We’re up to 18 legalization states — and a record high of 68% of Americans support legal cannabis — so momentum is undeniably on our side. But there’s still work ahead, and each victory is hard-won. Make sure you sign up for our state-specific alerts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter so we can keep you informed about how you can help.
Onward!
N.M.: House and Senate pass legalization bill!
Yesterday, the New Mexico House and Senate passed a bill to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults 21 and older during a special session called for that purpose by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. When she signs the bill, New Mexico will become the 17th state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the fourth to do so through the legislative process rather than by voter initiative.
You can read a summary of the final bill, HB 2, here.
Thanks to all who contacted their legislators and urged them to support this important reform!
In addition to legalizing personal possession of at least two ounces of cannabis, HB 2 will also allow home cultivation of six mature plants. A companion bill — SB 2 — would provide for automatic expungement.
Congratulations to all of the lawmakers and advocates who made this victory possible, including our allies at the Drug Policy Alliance.
Please share this excellent news with your family and friends!
N.M.: Special session to legalize cannabis begins TOMORROW
Email your elected officials and urge them to support the legalization bill!
New Mexico lawmakers fell just short of reaching agreement on a cannabis legalization bill before the legislative session ended on March 20. Fortunately, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for a special session so the legislature can complete its work on this important issue. The special session will begin TOMORROW.
It’s important that lawmakers hear from you. Email your elected officials right now and urge them to support ending prohibition this year!
Polling has found that more than 60% of New Mexicans support legalizing, taxing, and regulating cannabis for adult use. The House passed a legalization bill, HB 12, last month, but the Senate was not able to agree on details and did not vote on the bill before the regular session ended.
Gov. Grisham expressed confidence that legislators would be able to complete their work and pass a legalization bill during the special session. “We must and we will forge ahead and finish the job on these initiatives together for the good of the people and future of our great state,” she said.
After you write your lawmakers, please share this important message with your family and friends.
New Mexico legalization bill advances in House committee
Ask your lawmakers to end prohibition in 2021!
On Monday, the House Health and Human Services Committee advanced (7-4) Rep. Javier Martinez’ HB 12, which would legalize cannabis for adult use. The bill now heads to additional committees for consideration.
Ask your lawmakers to support legalizing cannabis this year!
In addition to legalizing personal possession of at least two ounces of cannabis, HB 12 would also allow home cultivation of six mature plants, provide for automatic expungement of prior cannabis convictions, and use tax revenue to reinvest in communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition.
Top lawmakers have signaled that this could be the year New Mexico moves forward with legalization, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has included legalization in her list of priorities for the 2021 session.
It’s important your lawmakers hear from you. Email them today and urge them to support ending prohibition this year.
Polling has shown that a majority of New Mexicans support legalizing, taxing, and regulating cannabis for adult use, and 15 states — including New Mexico’s neighbors, Arizona and Colorado — have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older.
After you email your lawmakers, please forward this message to your family and friends and ask that they do the same.
The clock is ticking on New Mexico’s legalization bill — act now!
Ask your state lawmakers to support SB 115 to legalize cannabis for adult use!
With just eight days left in 2020’s short legislative session, the New Mexico Legislature is considering SB 115, which would legalize, tax, and regulate cannabis for adults.
Last year, the House approved a legalization bill, but it was defeated in the Senate Finance Committee. Make sure SB 115 doesn’t meet a similar fate: Please take a moment to email your state senator and representative and ask them to support SB 115!
The Senate Public Affairs Committee approved the bill (4-3), and it must now clear both the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Finance Committee before heading to the Senate floor.
SB 115 would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower and purchase cannabis products from licensed retailers. The bill also provides for automatic expungements of past cannabis convictions.
Although Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) supports legalization and has included it in her 2020 legislative agenda, SB 115 must clear the legislature to make it to her desk. Keep the pressure up by contacting your lawmakers and asking them to support SB 115!
It is past time the Land of Enchantment end cannabis prohibition and replace it with sensible regulation. A poll commissioned by the governor-appointed marijuana working group found that three out of four voters in the state support legalizing cannabis for adult use.
After you email your legislators, please forward this message to your friends and family in New Mexico and encourage them to do the same.
New Mexico governor signs decriminalization bill!
New Mexico becomes the 24th state to decriminalize marijuana.
On Wednesday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed SB 323, which decriminalizes up to half an ounce of marijuana. Starting on July 1, the penalty for possessing up to half an ounce of marijuana will be a $50 civil fine, instead of potential jail time.
Unfortunately, a bill to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adults died in the Senate Finance Committee after passing the House. Adults should have access to safe, regulated places to purchase marijuana, and 60% of New Mexico voters agree, according to a poll from last year.
Please reach out to your lawmakers in support of marijuana legalization. Then, share the good news about decriminalization by forwarding this email to friends and family.
New Mexico Legislature sends marijuana decriminalization to governor's desk
If you live in New Mexico, contact the governor today in support of decriminalization!
Over the weekend, in the waning hours of the legislative session, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed SB 323, a bill that decriminalizes marijuana possession. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D). Gov. Grisham is expected to sign the bill.
Contact Gov. Grisham now and ask that she sign the decriminalization bill.
SB 323 would remove the criminal penalties for possessing up to a half ounce of marijuana and instead institute a $50 fine. Currently, the penalty for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, if it's your first offense, is up to 15 days in jail and a maximum fine of $150. If it's your second offense with less than an ounce of marijuana, you could face up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Unfortunately, bills to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana did not make it out of committee in the Senate, after passing the House. Nonetheless, removing criminal penalties for marijuana possession is a great step towards more sane and compassionate marijuana policy. So, please contact the governor today and ask her to sign SB 323. Then, forward this email to friends and family and ask that they reach out to the governor, too. Together, we can bring more sensible marijuana laws to New Mexico.