2 cannabis legalization projects presented in New Mexico

New Mexico once again seeks to legalize cannabis. Last year, an adult legalization project was passed by a Senate committee before being rejected a few days later by a second committee. The governor included cannabis legalization as part of her 2021 legislative agenda, which she released last month, and said in a recent interview that she was «still very optimistic about cannabis» this legislative session.

Two bills have already been introduced. The first, introduced by Republican Senator Cliff Pirtle, proposes to create a private commercial industry that would allow adults 21 and over to purchase and possess up to two ounces (56 grams) of cannabis. Home cultivation would not be permitted. Places to consume cannabis could, however, be authorized by regulators.

A 2% excise tax would be imposed on retail sales, in addition to local taxes. Revenues from this tax would fund implementation and support efforts to reduce impaired driving, with the remainder going to the state general fund and local municipalities.

The second bill is championed by Democratic Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto and would allow adults aged 21 and over to purchase and possess up to two ounces of cannabis. People would not be able to grow cannabis for personal use, but growing up to three mature plants would be considered a civil offense punishable by a fine of 500 $.

The senator's measure calls for a 21% tax on cannabis sales, with revenues split evenly between cities, counties and the state.

For the moment, none of the proposals addresses the social equity elements often considered essential by advocates of legalization to repair the damage done by prohibition.

Democratic Representative Javier Martínez has already announced his support for a bill advocating fairer cannabis legalization in New Mexico. Details of his bill have yet to be released, but the measure is expected to include provisions to ensure diversity in the cannabis market, erase previous cannabis-related offenses and allocate a portion of tax revenues to communities hardest hit by the war on drugs.

New Mexico shares another border with Colorado, one of the first states to legalize adult use. Cannabis is also expected to be legalized on Mexico's southern side of the border, with legislators having a mandate from the Supreme Court. to end prohbition by april 2021.