Recreational Cannabis Bill Fails Session in New Mexico

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]T[/dropcap]he New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee tabled Senate Bill 115, otherwise known as the Cannabis Regulation Act, on Feb. 12.

According to KOAT in New Mexico, the committee decided in a six to four vote to table the bill following public comments and deliberation. If passed, the bill would have made recreational cannabis legal.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had the following to say about the decision: “Legalized recreational cannabis in New Mexico is inevitable. The people of New Mexico have said they want it. A diversified state economy demands it. Poll after poll has demonstrated that New Mexicans want a 21st century economy and want cannabis to be part of it: New Mexicans want more chances to stay here and build a career here; we want justice for those convicted of low-level, harmless cannabis-related offenses; we want an industry with firm and clear regulations that will keep our roads and places of business and children safe.”

Grisham expressed her disappointment but stated that she will continue to try again in the future to fulfill the will of the people. “We will keep working to get it done. And ultimately we will deliver thousands of careers for New Mexicans in a new and clean and exciting industry, a key new component of a diversifying economy.”

However, there is some good news happening in certain parts of New Mexico, as a tribal lands cannabis bill is currently headed to the house. The bill would allow agreements between the New Mexico Department of Health and Native American groups when it comes to medical cannabis, and it has already been approved by the Senate.

Despite the fact that Gov. Grisham is in favor of legalization, New Mexico is still having a difficult time pushing it through. If the state can finally overcome water supply issues and legalization issues, it could have a bright future.