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

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to enhance regulation of New Mexico's recreational cannabis industry by a vote of 68-1.

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.

"This legislation strengthens enforcement of our existing regulations to better protect New Mexicans in our cannabis industry," said lead sponsor Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), who also serves as Chair of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. "We want to weed out bad actors in the industry, so that the hardworking New Mexicans who are playing by the rules can thrive."
"New Mexico has been a national leader in establishing a successful recreational cannabis industry that prioritizes local producers and reflects our values," said co-sponsor House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). "We are making sure that the rules and regulations we set are being followed, so that this growing industry can continue to benefit New Mexicans."

Additional sponsors of the bill include House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), andReps. 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).

House Bill 10 now heads to the Senate.
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.