Legislation cracks down on illegal activity within the state's recreational cannabis market

Santa Fe, N.M. – Legislation to enhance regulation of New Mexico's recreational cannabis industry is now headed to the House Floor, after unanimously passing the House Judiciary Committee today.

House Bill 10 would establish an Enforcement Bureau within the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) at the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) to investigate potential criminal violations of New Mexico's cannabis laws. Under this legislation, CCD agents would be able to undertake lawful searches of cannabis facilities, confiscate suspicious products, pursue legal orders to destroy illegal products, and arrest those found to be in violation of state cannabis laws.

"We have to protect New Mexicans involved in the cannabis industry," said lead sponsor Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), who also serves a Chair of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. "By making sure our regulations are strengthened and enforced, we can drive out the bad actors and protect those New Mexicans who have invested so much in this industry."

"Recreational cannabis has quickly become a huge economic driver for New Mexico, but we must make sure that the rules and regulations we set for the industry are being followed," said co-sponsor House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). "Giving greater enforcement capabilities to CCD will help us hold bad actors accountable, so reputable businesses can thrive."

Additional sponsors of the bill include House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), and Reps. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque), Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque), D. Wonda Johnson (D-Church Rock), Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde), Cristina Parajón (D-Albuquerque) and Josh Hernandez (R-Rio Rancho), as well as Senator Linda Trujillo (D-Santa Fe).
Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature's Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.