By New Mexico’s recreational cannabis industry is only six months old, but regulators say there are already more than 20 companies that are not adhering to state rules.
local tv station KRQE reported last week The state’s cannabis control division has conducted 100 tests since adult-use cannabis sales began in April and found “31 businesses are not complying with regulations.”
station report Department inspectors “go out with a checklist and look for problems,” adding, “The list includes waste management, fire safety, and making sure the company has security measures in place.” I’m here.”
“For retailers, they don’t usually have a very extensive checklist because they’re not growing,” said Andrew Vallejos, director of New Mexico’s cannabis management division. KRQEMore.
According to the station The state “has not mentioned a recreational marijuana license since it became legal,” and regulators have not taken a punitive approach to inspections.
“One of the reasons for the suspension is when companies don’t put their products into state seed-to-sale software.” KRQE reported. “Plants are being tracked whether they come from New Mexico or out of state. But even if the companies break the rules, the goal is to keep them on track.”
However, according to the station, Given that “the cannabis control department now has eight compliance officers to inspect the 478 businesses that have recreational marijuana licenses,” New Mexico officials said, “two more compliance officers.” We are considering hiring an officer.”
New Mexico legalized recreation pots for adults in 2021 when Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill into law.
“The legalization of adult-use marijuana paves the way for a new economic engine in our state, promising to create thousands of high-paying jobs for years to come,” said Rujan Grisham. said in a statement at the time. “By building an honest industry, we make consumers safer. We are about to start righting the wrongs of this country’s failed war on drugs. We intend to break new ground in an industry that has the potential to change for the better.”
Adult weed sales officially opened on April 1st of this year, with over $3 million in sales in the first weekend.
In July, adult-use cannabis sales in New Mexico surpassed $40 million, setting a new record for the state’s fledgling recreational cannabis market.
“These numbers show that the impressive sales generated in the first month of legalized recreational cannabis sales weren’t a fluke, and this is just the beginning,” Lujan Grisham said. “We will establish new industries that are already generating millions of dollars in local and state revenue and will continue to generate millions more in economic activity statewide,” said a statement at the time. It will create thousands of jobs for New Mexicans in small and large communities.”
When he signed the legalization bill in 2021, Lujan Grisham framed it as a potential economic boon for states still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others. rice field.
“As we bounce back from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, entrepreneurs will benefit from this golden opportunity to create profitable new businesses, state and local governments will benefit from additional revenues, And importantly, workers should take on new types of jobs and build careers,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement.
“This law is a big step forward for our state,” the governor continued. “Legalized adult-use marijuana will change the way we think about New Mexico for the better – the workforce, the economy, the future. We are ready to break new ground. We are ready to invest in ourselves and the limitless potential of New Mexicans, and we are ready to lead this industry to success.”
