Cannabis Industry

Cannabis businesses across New Mexico say the rollout of a new track-and-trace system mandated by state regulators has been riddled technical errors and issues that have cost them tens of thousands of dollars so far, and a group trying to challenge the system in court is taking time to gather more evidence before going back in front of a judge.

As a brand new product tracking system goes live for the cannabis industry, a District Court Judge paused a legal challenge to the new system brought by cannabis businesses who say the transition to the new system has already hurt their businesses and has the potential to cost them even more money.

Journalist Andy Lyman with the Lesser Known New Mexico podcast spoke with the founder of Verdes Cannabis in Albuquerque, Eric Seegle, about what a recent executive order that could reclassify marijuana means for his business.

A new police force may be on the way to New Mexico, after a bill advanced through its first committee with unanimous support this week. The armed law enforcement officers capable of making arrests would be responsible for enforcing cannabis control laws.

Navajo cannabis farmer claims he’s providing ‘sacrament’ for a Native church.

New Mexico legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 with intentions to support communities disproportionately harmed by its criminalization. Sales opened last year and a bill now moving through the Legislature aims to finally funnel some of the tax revenue into local health and equity work.

Teacher shortages were made especially acute by the pandemic. Last year Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham even turned to the National Guard for substitute teachers to fill vacancies around the state. Many educators have called it quits including who is now in New Mexico’s newest industry: cannabis.

As the cannabis industry flourishes in New Mexico and around the Mountain West, tribal businesses operate in a legal gray area. Federal deference to states that have legalized medical or recreational cannabis doesn't always occur in all of Indian Country, exposing tribal businesses to crackdowns. Some call it discrimination.

Melanie Stansbury last night praised the House of Representatives for passing a law that would make cannabis legal for adult recreational use across the United States. The legislation is unlikely to pass the Senate.

After years of debate, legislation and preparation, people over 21 can walk into a store in New Mexico and buy recreational cannabis products. As the recreational industry gears up, many are trying to ensure that the benefits will be shared equally.