In 2024, New Mexico enacted significant changes to its cannabis regulations, impacting both medical and recreational use.
Enhanced Enforcement Measures
On March 1, 2024, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 6 into law, amending the Cannabis Regulation Act. This legislation granted the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department increased authority to combat unlicensed and illegal cannabis activities. Key provisions included:
- Background Checks: Implementation of federal criminal history background checks for cannabis license applicants.- Increased Penalties: Elevated criminal penalties for unlicensed cannabis operations and clarified thresholds for trafficking charges.- Licensing Restrictions: Expanded the list of disqualifying offenses for potential licensees.- Packaging Regulations: Revised packaging requirements to prevent youth access to cannabis products.
Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized the state's commitment to supporting the legal cannabis industry while ensuring consumer safety and holding violators accountable.
Federal Enforcement Actions
Despite state-level legalization, federal authorities maintained enforcement of federal cannabis prohibitions. In May 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized over $300,000 worth of state-licensed cannabis at border patrol checkpoints in southern New Mexico. These actions highlighted the ongoing conflict between state legalization and federal law.
These developments in 2024 reflect New Mexico's efforts to refine its cannabis regulatory framework, balancing industry growth with public safety and compliance with both state and federal laws.
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