By Ana Garcia Sancho

On the 31st of March, New Mexico passed the new Cannabis Regulation Act which allows the sales and possession of cannabis for recreational purposes. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has promised to sign the bill “soon enough” on her statement.



With the news of New York’s legalization, New Mexico has maintained a low-key posture in the news on their process for the new bill. It will be coming into effect less than a year from now, on the 29th of June.

It is expected that the new act will allow adults over the age of 21 to buy and carry cannabis. It will also allow up to 2 ounces per person outside the home, and its consumption will only be allowed in designated areas like tobacco.



As an addition, Gov. Lujan said the bill will remove the criminal records for those who were charged with possessing marijuana in the past with the possibility of dismissing convictions. She claims this new bill will benefit both workers and businesses as it will create new jobs and boost income tax for the state.



On the 2nd of April 2022, legal sales will be allowed in the state. However, as for retail prices, medicinal marijuana is set to be one of the highest in the country. Regardless, it is unknown yet if this will change once recreational sales commence.



The measures included are similar to New York in regard to sales, growth, and possession.



New Mexico legalized medicinal cannabis in 2017 under The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. Now with the new bill set to pass, New Mexico becomes the 17th state in the United States that allows recreational use.