New Mexico Gov. Calls For Marijuana Legalization In 2020

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called on state lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana during the 2020 legislative session, which begins Jan 21.

“Supported by 75% of New Mexicans in a recent poll, the legalization of recreational cannabis is projected to create 11,000 New Mexico jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue,” said Grisham, Forbes reported.

It is speculated that the legislation will include a provision to expunge previous marijuana convictions. It’s unknown whether home cultivation will be included as its inclusion would require licensing provisions.

Grisham said she wants the Legislature to pass a bill “legalizing the use of recreational cannabis in New Mexico and establishing a regulatory framework for its use, including public safety considerations, public health safeguards, and the protection of the state’s existing medical cannabis program.”

Grisham also wants New Mexico’s medical marijuana program to be for in-state residents only and has asked lawmakers to create such legislation despite a court’s recent ruling that out-of-state patients can buy medical marijuana when in the state. Some Arizona patients have seized this opportunity.

Last year, efforts to legalize adult-use marijuana passed in the New Mexico House but not in the Senate.

Photo: Ron Cogswell/Flickr CC2.0 Modified