New Mexico Cannabis Control Division Publishes Proposed Rules for Manufacturers, Retailers and Couriers

The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division published proposed rules for adult-use manufacturers, retailers and couriers Sept. 28, and will seek public comment before adopting final regulations.

New Mexico legalized adult-use cannabis in April and adopted rules for cultivation last month.

Regulators are required to begin processing applications for all cannabis license types by the end of the year, according to a Santa Fe New Mexican report.

“As part of the rulemaking process, the proposed rules need to be read by the public and get feedback from the public so that any changes that need to be made can be made to make them the strongest, most impactful rules that we can promulgate,” Heather Brewer, a spokesperson for the Cannabis Control Division, told the news outlet.

The proposed rules for manufacturers, retailers and couriers span 33 pages, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported, and come after regulators adopted emergency manufacturing rules earlier this month.

“They were put into effect immediately to upgrade the protection and be clear of the guidelines for worker safety in cannabis manufacturing facilities because unfortunately we have seen ... very serious worker injuries because of lack of workplace safety,” Brewer said.

The rules released Tuesday include a slightly updated version of the emergency manufacturing regulations, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, and the new rules will supersede the emergency regulations once they are finalized and adopted.

“With these latest rules, drafted in consultation with the Cannabis Regulatory Advisory Committee, we are continuing our important work to help businesses, entrepreneurs and communities maximize the economic opportunities presented by this new industry,” Cannabis Control Division Superintendent Linda Trujillo told the news outlet.

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Adult-use sales are slated to launch on April 1, 2022.