Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Will Launch in New Mexico on April 1

New Mexico’s first adult-use cannabis shops will open in the state on April 1, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. Kristen Thomson, director of the Cannabis Control Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, said that the agency does “not have concerns about lack of product” in the nascent days of the state’s program.

“We really expect that first day of business to be filled with excitement. …  As with any new gadget or restaurant or something opening, some products may come up short, but we do not anticipate a massive statewide shortage of product on opening day.” – Thomson to the New Mexican

Thomson said that state officials have already approved 225 adult-use licenses, including some integrated licenses for businesses that produce, manufacture, deliver, and sell cannabis products and that some of those licenses cover more than one site.

The state’s law does require retailers to set aside 20% of their products for the medical cannabis program – which has nearly 132,000 enrolled patients as of February, according to state Department of Health figures outlined by the New Mexican. Emily Kaltenbach, senior state director of the Drug Policy Alliance, said that medical cannabis patients may have “more of a concern” about running out of product than adult-use customers.

Josh Foley, manager of a Pecos Valley Production dispensary, told the New Mexican he thought a shortage could occur in a few months but that his company is trying to store at least $500,000 worth of product to get them through “the first couple of months.”

Duke Rodriguez, president and CEO of New Mexico Top Organics-Ultra Health, the state’s largest medical cannabis company, said he has concerns over provisions in the state law that caps plant production at 20,000 per grower but allows an unlimited number of retail licenses.

“We will probably need to pare back as many as 100 locations,” he predicted, “and there will be a lot of small business that will be hurt very badly.”

Thomson said that the launch of sales could be blunted as some retailers are still navigating local rules and awaiting final municipal approval.