Legal cannabis sales begin April 1 in New Mexico

It's no joke: from April 1, New Mexico's 118 dispensaries will be able to sell flowers, oils and edibles to all residents over the age of 21. This will mark the start of legal cannabis sales, almost a year after the passing of the ‘HB2’ law’. The local market is valued at $125 million in the first year, rising to $400 million after five years, as calculated by MJBizDaily.

In stores, consumers will be able to buy up to two ounces (around 60 grams) of flowers, with a maximum THC content of 35 %. It will also be possible to buy 16 grams of extracts (wax, budder, resin...) or 800mg of THC.’edibles (cookies, infused chocolate...).

As New Mexico already allowed medical cannabis, patients treated with the plant will have access to products with a higher THC content. As for self-cultivation, already authorized, residents will be able to grow up to six mature plants at home.

The potheads will fill the coffers of this semi-desert state in the American Southwest. An excise tax of 12 % will apply to cannabis sales. The tax is in line with other American states, between 9 and 37 %.

Residents of neighboring Texas rub their hands

Paradoxically, it's not the 2 million New Mexicans who are rubbing their hands the most... but rather their Texan neighbors. They are ten times more numerous - 20 million - and have virtually no access to cannabis. Their medical program is very limited. And cannabis for adult use is illegal. It can cost you 6 months in prison and a $2,000 fine.

«According to our study, 40 to 42 % of purchases will be made by residents of other states, particularly Texas.», predicts Duke Rodriguez, head of New Mexico's largest dispensary chain, quoted by the Santa Fe New Mexican.

New Mexico merchants are not going to be denied: they're setting up shop as close as possible to the Texas border. Carlos Enriquez, Chief of Police in Anthony, Texas, expects more and more arrests to be made. for possession of cannabis.