New Mexico Marijuana Legalization Bill Slowly Advancing
SANTA FE, NM A proposal to legalize marijuana for adult use has advanced throughthe first of three committees it needs to clear before advancing to a floor vote.
House Bill 89, the Cannabis Revenue and Freedom Act, is sponsored by Reps. BillMcCamley (D-Las Cruces) andJavier Martinez (D-Albuquerque).
The bill was approved in January by theHouse Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, and is currently awaiting review by theHouse Business andIndustry Committee. It would also need to advance through the House Appropriations andFinance Committee before being considered by the full House for a vote.
If passed, HB 89would allow adults 21 or older to lawfully possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public, or up to two ounces at home.
Adults would be allowed to possess up to seven grams of concentrates.
The bill would also allow adults to grow six marijuana plants at home, with a per-household limit of twelve plants. Adults would be allowed to keep up to eight ounces of harvested marijuana on hand.
Retail sales of marijuana would begin in 2019, utilizing much of the states existing medical marijuana system. Retail marijuana sales would be subject to a 15% statewide sales tax, with local communities authorized to impose an additional 5% sales tax.
It is either going to happen sooner or it is going to happen later and if it happens sooner we can realize the economic benefits now, McCamley ...
