February 5, 2021
New Mexicans who are following the push by many lawmakers to legalize recreational-use cannabis now have plenty of reading material.
Legislators have filed four legalization bills, two of which have identical language. All of the bills have the same general goal, but with different paths to get there and varying standards of what would and wouldn’t be allowed in a post-legalization New Mexico. Passage of any of the bills is still not a guarantee and given the history of previous cannabis legalization proposals and the legislative process in general, it is likely some pieces of the differing bills will be absorbed into one final bill.
By Daniel J. Chacón, Santa Fe New Mexican |
February 2, 2021
Two state senators on opposite sides of the political aisle introduced competing bills Monday to legalize recreational marijuana in New Mexico.
A third proposal, also filed Monday, is expected to be formally introduced Tuesday in the House of Representatives, and other bills could be forthcoming.
The push to legalize cannabis for recreational adult use comes after previous efforts failed under a more conservative group of New Mexico lawmakers.
It also comes as the state government seeks to diversify its revenue sources to reduce its heavy reliance on oil and gas.