New Mexico citizens, 21 and over, are rejoicing after the House of Representatives passed a bill—by 36 to 34 votes – to regulate and tax marijuana at state-run stores. However, the recreational marijuana products will be sold on a consignment basis, if the bill is adopted.
It is aimed at modifying and revoking criminal laws that deal with cannabis offenses. Once the changes are implemented, the criminal conviction records of a number of former and current prisoners will be completely destroyed. Furthermore, the bill has eradicated all kinds of taxes on medical marijuana so that the hospitals never run out of adequate supplies.
Citizens can avail marijuana products at a number of state-run consignment stores spread across New Mexico, on the condition that they will not grow recreational marijuana at home. The intention behind the government’s decision to go with the state-ownership is to prevent the ‘flood’ of pot shops on the streets.
If you are planning to carry recreational marijuana in the city, make sure that you do not exceed the limit of ‘one ounce’. Also, do not forget to carry an official receipt under the proposed law.
If no state-operated store is available within 25 miles of your location, private dispensaries should be your go-to place.
Once (and if) the bill is adopted, New Mexico will become the 11th state in the country to legalize recreational marijuana. State budget analysts expect the legal market to generate at least $9 million in tax revenue during the first year of sales and as high as $90 million by the year 2023.
People against the legalization of marijuana think that the state Senate will see through the tactics of ‘Big Tobacco’ and ‘Big Pharma’ investors and put public health first, before taking the final decision until 16th of March.
