Having been signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA) is effective as of June 29, 2021.

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“The legalization of adult-use cannabis paves the way for the creation of a new economic driver in our state with the promise of creating thousands of good paying jobs for years to come,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We’re ready to break new ground. We’re ready to invest in ourselves and the limitless potential of New Mexicans. And we’re ready to make this industry a successful one that helps transform New Mexico’s economic future for the better.”

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“This is the right model for New Mexico because it creates a local, sustainable and regulated industry while at the same time protecting our public health, road safety and the well-being of our youth,” said Superintendent Linda M. Trujillo of the state Regulation and Licensing Department, which will oversee and manage the new industry. “The standardization and statewide regulation that comes with a bona fide industry will protect consumers. In addition, local jurisdictions will be able to enact reasonable zoning, land use and other business requirements.”

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The CRA created a comprehensive licensing, taxing and enforcement regulatory structure for adult use cannabis in the state that will be administered by the Cannabis Control Division (CCD), which is located in the Regulation and Licensing Department.

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The CCD will administer the CRA and the licensing and regulatory provisions of the Medical Cannabis Program that was created by the Lynn and Erin Compassion Use Act (LECUA). The Medical Cannabis Program patient registry will continue to be maintained by the Department of Health.