After many years of marijuana being legal for medical use, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) applauded the launch of recreational cannabis sales in the state. She called it “a new industry that presents so many unique opportunities,” according to a press release from her office. Retailers across New Mexico began legal sales last week.
“This is a historic day for New Mexico – the beginning of a new economic opportunity for entrepreneurs and communities across the state,” Lujan Grisham said. “With around 250 retailers licensed and ready to go on day one, New Mexico’s recreational cannabis industry is off to a strong start. With the dedicated work of legislators and advocates, we have crafted a well-regulated industry that is creating jobs, spurring economic activity, and generating revenue for state and local governments.”
The governor visited a cannabis retailer in Albuquerque on Friday morning to celebrate “the first day of recreational sales with customers and staff,” according to the release.
Lujan Grisham was a strong proponent of legalizing recreational cannabis. She called a special session to generate legislation that was signed in April 2021. Her goals were to create an industry that “balanced economic growth, consumer safety, and criminal justice while building on the experiences of other states to ensure no New Mexican was left behind,” the release said.
The legislation decriminalized adult possession and personal growth as of June 29, 2021, and enabled retail sales to begin on April 1.
Of the 250 retailers licensed in the state, approximately 100 are minority-owned cannabis businesses; there are nearly 100 women-owned cannabis businesses, with some overlap, according to the release.
The regulations in place were designed to allow for a low barrier of entry so that small businesses can receive micro-business licenses, which allow smaller companies to start selling marijuana without the enormous startup costs typically associated with the process.
