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

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 10, which enhances regulatory authority over the state's recreational cannabis industry.

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.

The authority granted to CCD agents under this legislation includes the ability 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 the state's cannabis laws.

"Recreational cannabis is boosting New Mexico's economy, but like in any industry, we need to make sure that bad actors are held accountable," said lead sponsor Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces). "This bill will give our state agencies greater authority to investigate and prosecute those who break our laws and put consumers at risk."

"When we legalized cannabis in 2021, we worked hard to develop a framework that would work for New Mexico and create new economic opportunities for our communities," said co-sponsor House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). "The industry is off to a strong start, bringing over a billion dollars into our state. Now, the next step we must take is to make sure those that break the rules are held accountable, so that those businesses who follow the rules can thrive."
HB 10 will move on to the House Judiciary Committee. Additional sponsors of the bill include House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), 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), and 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.