The New Mexico legalization bill HB 12 for adult-use cannabis died in the Senate this past weekend. Lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement on proposed amendments before the legislative period ended on March 20. In response to HB 12’s failure, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced she will hold a special session to try and push for legalization. This special session will start on or around March 31st.
“We’re going to have a special session in a week or so, and we’re going to get cannabis, because I am not going to wait another year,” the governor stated shortly after HB 12 died. “We’re going to win it and it’s going to have the social justice aspects that we know have to be in a package.”
HB 12 saw numerous delays in its final week of hearings, despite lawmakers and the governor pushing for its vote and approval.
Next Steps
“Legalized adult-use cannabis is one of the best moves we can make in our work to build a bona fide 21st century economy in New Mexico,” the governor said in a press release. “I believe legalization will be one of the largest job-creation programs in state history, driving entrepreneurial opportunities statewide for decades to come. I look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to get the job done and done right.”
In the special session, the governor wants adult-use cannabis legalized properly. She plans to follow the process that HB 12 created. There are three main pillars that HB 12 addressed. First, it established protections for medical marijuana patients. Second, it included racial justice provisions for everyone in the state, including indigenous people and native tribes. Finally, the bill hoped to ensure there are smart regulations and tax systems in place to make maximize revenue and access.
The bill’s writer and sponsor, Representative Javier Martinez, is excited to work with other chamber members and the governor. He wants to create a comprehensive adult-use cannabis program for New Mexico. Even lawmakers who had some issues with HB 12, including as Senator John Cervantes, publicly stated that HB 12 will be improved and cannabis will be legalized in New Mexico. Legalization will almost certainly happen this year, it’s only a matter of when.
Pushback
Unfortunately, with the death of HB 12 in the Senate, many are celebrating the failure. Republicans groups seem to be leading the charge against legalization. New Mexico House GOP took to Twitter slamming Governor Grisham. They said $2 million in taxpayer dollars are down the drain thanks to the cannabis effort. And it got the governor nowhere. The upcoming special session will just continue to be a waste of money.
However, the New Mexican general public has spoken. They want adult-use cannabis legalized in their state. And Governor Grisham will likely allow the voters create a referendum on the next general election. More than that, she’ll likely encourage it as well. New Mexico will see legalization this year. Unfortunately, it might take longer than expected.
As more information about the special session becomes available, we will update you with the latest. Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.