NM’s New Adult-Use Marijuana Rules Now In Effect

New rules regulating the production, sale and transport of recreational cannabis in New Mexico are now in effect.

The state’s Cannabis Control Division said the new rules allow the division to continue streamlining the process for cannabis businesses to get licensed as the state moves toward adult-use sales over the coming months.

Under legislation passed earlier this year, the rules needed to be in place by Jan. 1. Sales are expected to start by April 1.

More than 300 applications for licenses across all sectors of the cannabis industry have been submitted so far, according to the Cannabis Control Division. Each is being reviewed.

“Every day brings us closer to the first adult-use cannabis sales in New Mexico,” Division Director Kristen Thomson said, adding that “businesses and consumers can be confident that all necessary support and protection is in place to ensure a thriving cannabis industry in our state.”

The rules that took effect this week include final manufacturing requirements that replace emergency rules that were adopted in the fall to protect workers and improve workplace safety. The rules also cover the licensing of retail stores and transport guidelines for the safe delivery and distribution of cannabis products by licensed couriers.