New Mexico officials have released the rules for the state’s forthcoming adult-use cannabis industry and they largely mirror the basic guidelines laid out by the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) earlier this year, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports.
In a statement, Cannabis Control Division Director Kristen Thomson said the rules were devised “using best practices and input from stakeholders” and that officials drew on “diverse experience and knowledge to create thoughtful rules that set the highest professional standards and safety guidelines for New Mexico’s medical cannabis program and the adult-use cannabis industry.”
“Every day brings us closer to the first adult-use cannabis sales in New Mexico. Thanks to the Cannabis Control Division’s open and transparent rule-making process over the past six months, businesses and consumers can be confident that all necessary support and protection is in place to ensure a thriving cannabis industry in our state.” — Thomson in a press release
Under the regulations, adult-use cannabis businesses may not provide free samples to customers but under certain circumstances, medical cannabis dispensaries may offer samples for patients.
Other basic guidelines include security measures, proof of water rights, workplace training programs, facility diagrams, and record keeping. Retailers must also destroy tested batches of cannabis that do not meet the state’s health and safety standards. The rules also set guidelines for cannabis couriers. Under New Mexico legalization law, adults 21-and-older may only purchase up to two ounces of flower or 16 grams of concentrates.
The CCD said more than 300 producer and retailer licenses have been submitted so far to regulators, adding that adult-use sales in the state “will be ready” for April 1, 2022, as required by law.
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