New Mexico publishes final rules for adult cannabis use

The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) announced on December 28 that it had finalized rules for cannabis manufacturers, retailers and couriers. The final rules were published in Issue 24 of the New Mexico Register. Hundreds of license applications are currently being examined.

The rules go into effect immediately, with last-minute revisions after several rounds of public comment from small business owners, CEOs, and other businesspeople.

“Every day brings us closer to the first adult cannabis sales in New Mexico,” said Kristen Thomson, director of the Cannabis Control Division, in a press release. “Thanks to the Cannabis Control Division’s open and transparent rulemaking process over the past six months, companies and consumers can be confident that all the necessary support and protection measures are in place to ensure a flourishing cannabis industry in our state.”

According to state cannabis regulation law, adult sales in New Mexico are slated to begin April 1, 2022. The rules, which went into effect on Tuesday, include manufacturing rules that replace the emergency manufacturing rules introduced last fall to protect workers and improve work safety.

The rules describe retail store licensing with new restrictions. The Courier Rules set guidelines for the safe delivery and proper distribution of cannabis products by licensed couriers.

According to a press release, the CCD is accepting manufacturing and retail license applications through its online licensing system and has received a total of more than 300 submitted applications from across industry sectors.

“Our dedicated team of professionals work hard through the holidays and … every day to work with applicants to issue licenses and get businesses up and running,” said Thomson. “Building a thriving new industry is not an easy task, and I know our team, our system, and future New Mexico licensees are up to the challenge. New Mexico will be ready for adult sales in 2022. “

Manufacturing rules

Manufacturers are also prohibited from adding nicotine or caffeine to cannabis products under the final rules, but naturally occurring caffeine is tolerated. Manufacturing permits are divided into four classes:

• Class I: Packaging and repackaging of products that have already been manufactured
• Class II: Manufacture of food or topical products from already extracted products; can also perform class I activities
• Class III: Production of extracts (extraction) using mechanical processes and non-volatile solvents; can also carry out class I and II activities
• Class IV: Production of extracts (extraction) using volatile solvents or supercritical CO2; can also perform Class I, Class II, and Class III activities

Retail rules

As soon as retail sales begin on April 1, 2022, customers 21 years of age and older and those of 18 years of age and older who have a valid qualified patient, primary carer or mutual attendee ID will be admitted.

Retailers can take cannabis out of its packaging to display for customers, but the displayed product cannot be sold or consumed and must be destroyed. Retailers are also prohibited from providing free samples. Many other restrictions apply.

Courier rules (delivery)

The maximum retail value of products that a courier can carry is $ 10,000, and couriers are not allowed to move packages for delivery for more than 24 hours. Delivery recipients must have their identity Delivery recipients must be either 21 or older, or at least 18 years of age as a qualified medical cannabis patient or primary health care professional, and must be electronically pre-verified before a courier delivers cannabis.

The full list of final rules can be found on the New Mexico Commission of Public Records.

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department granted the first company, Mother’s Meds, a license to operate as a cannabis grower on November 1.

Deadlines were tight, but the government tightened. The final rules will apply four months prior to the adult cannabis sales plan. According to the Cannabis Regulation Act, passed earlier this year, the rules for the cannabis industry must come into effect by January 1, 2022, and adult cannabis sales will begin on April 1, 2022.