New Mexico Takes One Step Closer To Recreational Cannabis

Cannabis Mar 12, 2019 Albuquerque, NM

By: Nabil Rodriguez*, J.D.

New Mexico House Bill 356 that included recreational marijuana measures was passed by a narrow margin of 36-34 through the state House of Representatives on March 7, 2019, but not after being significantly amended from its original form. The original Bill would have established a retail cannabis system of licensing for private businesses and allowed for individual home-growth licenses, but the recent action on the House floor altered both provisions.

Under the initial draft of the Bill, licensed home growers would have been allowed to cultivate up to six mature and six immature plants. However, this provision was eliminated in the most recent version published from the House floor vote.

The provision for state-controlled marijuana retail operations was also added on the House floor. This provision was picked up from Senate-introduced legislation Senate Bill 577, and would primarily put recreational cannabis sales in state-run stores because under the current proposal now advancing to the State Senate, private cannabis retailers could only be licensed in areas where there are no government-run operations within 25 miles.

Next, the bill heads to the Senate Finance Committee and, if approved, to the chamber’s floor for Senate approval. Once approved by the Senate, the Bill would move forward to the Governor’s desk for signing.

New Mexico State Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated support for legalizing marijuana during her gubernatorial campaign last year and is expected to sign the bill into law if it reaches her desk.

Now’s the time to start thinking about your business structuring if you intend to apply for a business license. Greenspoon Marder has a satellite location in Albuquerque, New Mexico and would be happy to speak with you. Please reach out to Rachel Gillette with questions.

* Nabil Rodriguez is not an attorney.

About Greenspoon Marder

Greenspoon Marder LLP is a full-service law firm with over 240 attorneys and more than 20 office locations across the United States. With operations from Miami to New York and from Denver to Los Angeles, our firm attracts some of the nation’s top talent in key markets and innovation hubs. Our core practice areas include Real Estate, Litigation, and Transactional Services, complemented by the capabilities of a full-service firm. Greenspoon Marder has upheld a spot on The American Lawyer’s Am Law 200 as one of the top law firms in the U.S. since 2015, and our goal is to provide exceptional client service by developing a thorough understanding of each client’s business needs and objectives in order to provide strategic, cost-effective solutions.

MEDIA CONTACT

Natalie Villanueva, Director of Marketing
954.333.4308 | natalie.villanueva@gmlaw.com

This Greenspoon Marder LLP Client Alert is issued for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as general legal advice nor a solicitation of any type. Please contact the author(s) or your Greenspoon Marder LLP contact if you have any questions regarding the currency of this information. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision. Before you decide, ask for written information about the lawyer’s legal qualifications and experience.

Next Previous

Subscribe for
News & Events

Search By Author

Search By Practice Area

Search By State

News

New Mexico Takes One Step Closer To Recreational Cannabis

Share

Subscribe for News & Events

News & Events

News & Events

Subscribe for
News & Events