The Cannabis Control Division (CCD) in New Mexico is responsible for overseeing and authorizing the operations of cannabis producers, manufacturers, retailers, couriers, and testing and research laboratories in both medical and adult-use markets. Its primary objective is to promote public health and safety by implementing regulations and guidelines and enforcing compliance with established standards.
The CCD issues licenses, ensures compliance by monitoring activities, and enforces established rules and regulations. Since the start of adult-use recreational cannabis sales in April 2022, there are 476 approved retail premises in New Mexico, which is 30% more than Colorado reported at the one-year mark of its recreational market.
The application fee is $10,000, with a $2,500 annual fee and a $1,000 annual fee for each licensed premises. Regulations can vary by location within New Mexico, so it’s important to check local city regulations. Additionally, the CCD focuses on equitable access to the cannabis market, aiming to support small businesses and ensure diversity in ownership.
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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HISTORY IN NEW MEXICO
New Mexico legalized medical cannabis back in 2007. Senate Bill 523 allowed the use of cannabis with a physician’s recommendation for treatment of certain medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. This bill made New Mexico the 12th state to legalize medical use and the 4th to do so through an act of state legislature.
In March 2019, House Bill 356 was approved by the House of Representatives. The bill sought to legalize the recreational use of cannabis and establish a system for the distribution of cannabis through dispensaries run by the state.
A bill to legalize recreational use – House Bill 2, the Cannabis Regulation Act – was signed in 2021. The first licensed sales of recreational cannabis began in 2022.
LAST UPDATED 9/4/2024 – It’s important to remember that laws can be revised and updated frequently, so please keep this in mind.