New Mexico Cannabis
New Mexico's journey towards cannabis legalization has been a winding path, filled with twists and turns, but ultimately leading to a historic milestone. The state's exploration of cannabis reform began decades ago, with the establishment of a medical cannabis program in 2007, which provided relief to patients suffering from debilitating conditions. However, it wasn't until April 2021 that New Mexico truly made waves by legalizing recreational cannabis for adults, becoming the 17th state in the United States to do so.
The road to this monumental achievement was paved with passionate debates, relentless advocacy, and a deep understanding of the potential benefits that cannabis could bring to the state. New Mexico's legalization journey can be aptly described as a "transformative odyssey," as it marks a profound shift in the state's approach to cannabis, embracing the power of regulation, social equity, and economic growth.
The legalization law in New Mexico allows adults 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of cannabis flower and grow up to six mature plants at home. It also establishes a framework for the regulation and licensing of retail cannabis stores, cultivation facilities, and other components of the cannabis industry. This comprehensive approach ensures that consumers have safe access to a wide array of cannabis products while generating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and creating a vibrant market.
New Mexico's embrace of cannabis legalization is set to have far-reaching effects. It ignites a spark of economic revitalization, with job creation, increased tax revenue, and the potential for tourism growth. Furthermore, the law prioritizes social equity by providing opportunities for communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, aiming to rectify past injustices and promote inclusivity within the industry.
As New Mexico enters this new era, it carries the torch of progress, joining the ranks of states that recognize the value of cannabis and the need for sensible regulation. This monumental step not only transforms the landscape of cannabis in New Mexico but also stands as a shining example for other states considering their own journeys towards legalization.
New Mexico Dispensaries
Normally, in this part of the article, we would list the top dispensaries in New Mexico, or the popular ones in Albuquerque. However, New Mexico has a staggering number of dispensaries; we were able to find over 600, with more than 60 of those dispensaries in Albuquerque. To put that into perspective, the AZDHS reports that, as of January this year, Arizona has 169 total dispensary locations. Since there is no easy way to list all the NM dispensaries or even pick the top 10, we’ll just let you find your own dispensary when visiting NM. Ask the locals, or just go to the nearest one and see if it’s any good.
Since the New Mexico adult use law took effect in 2022, over 2000 cannabis licenses were issued. The majority of the dispensaries we found have only a single location and are operated in more of a boutique manner.
This contrasts with states like Arizona that severely limit the number of licenses issued. One result from this is a high barrier to entry, creating a situation where a few large companies end up owning the majority of the licenses across the state. We see fewer boutique shops and more corporate owned dispensaries. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but definitely makes New Mexico unique when compared to states like Arizona
In many parts of New Mexico, the saturation of dispensaries is unsustainable in the long run. In some cases where supply outweighs the demand, rather than shutting down or relocating a dispensary due to overcrowding, the owners are using illegal methods to turn a profit. Falsifying records to avoid paying taxes, dealing in cash under the table and other unscrupulous business practices are some of the ways that these dispensaries are surviving.
We can tell you one dispensary that we know and love in New Mexico, Mama and the Girls. Self described as ‘A Cannabis Boutique & Education Center’, Mama and the Girls brings the best of boutique cannabis to Albuquerque. Small family owned businesses like this are far less common in AZ. Jordyn Yates of Hippy Life Entertainment visited them recently; look for his article here in Cannabis Cactus in the near future, or go ahead to hippylifeent.com to read his blog post about his trip.
New Mexico Fun Facts
New Mexico is known as the "Land of Enchantment" due to its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.
The state is home to the oldest capital city in the United States, Santa Fe, which was founded in 1610.
New Mexico is the fifth-largest state in terms of land area but has one of the lowest population densities in the country, giving it a unique sense of wide-open spaces.
The famous artist Georgia O'Keeffe drew inspiration from the landscapes of New Mexico and created many of her iconic paintings there.
New Mexico is known for its delicious Southwestern cuisine, including dishes such as green chile stew, stacked enchiladas, and sopapillas.
The state is home to the world's largest hot air balloon festival, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place annually in October.
New Mexico has a rich Native American heritage, with 19 Native American tribes residing within the state, each with its distinct traditions and culture.
The state boasts a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking in the stunning Sandia Mountains, exploring the otherworldly White Sands National Park, and rafting along the Rio Grande.
New Mexico is known for its unique art scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and art festivals showcasing the works of both local and international artists.
The state is home to the famous Trinity Site, where the world's first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945, marking a significant moment in human history.