Sales of recreational cannabis in New Mexico topped $22 million in April, the first month sales were legal, according to the Cannabis Control Division (CCD). 

Citing the CCD data, KRQE reported that $8 million in sales came from Albuquerque, with just over $2 million coming from Las Cruces and $1.8 million from Santa Fe. 

“The new industry is projected to generate $300 million annually in sales, create 11,000 jobs, and bring in $50 million in state revenue in the first year alone,” CCD officials told KRQE.

The sales figure fell short of the $25 million needed per month to stay on track for the $300 million projection for the year. But, KRQE noted that sales will increase as more applications for licenses to sell cannabis are processed and more shops open as the year goes on. 

Cities near the New Mexico/Texas border also posted strong sales; Hobbs and Sunland Park both posted sales of more than $1 million for the month, according to KRQE.

While big cities and border communities were able to cash in, smaller towns also got into the act. KRQE reported that Cedar Crest had recreational cannabis sales of more than $56,000, while sales in Madrid exceeded $40,000.