New Mexico Extends Public Comment on Proposed Medical Cannabis Regulations

After winter weather delayed a Nov. 22 hearing on regulators' proposed changes to New Mexico’s medical cannabis rules, the Health Department will extend the public comment period into January, according to an Albuquerque Journal report.

The proposed regulations, aimed at increasing health protections and patient access, would require testing for heavy metals, pesticides and potency, the news outlet reported, and would also allow cannabis consumption areas at dispensaries. New packaging regulations have also been proposed to distinguish cannabis products from non-infused food or candy.

The new regulations also take aim at the vape crisis, and would prohibit certain additives in inhaled cannabis products, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

The Health Department has extended public comment to a to-be-determined date in January, the news outlet reported.

New Mexico’s medical cannabis program has seen a dramatic increase in out-of-state enrollees since a judge ruled in September that the Department of Health must allow non-residents into the program following rule changes earlier this year.

The state is also considering adult-use legalization, as a governor-appointed work group handed its recommendations for a recreational cannabis program off to state officials last month.

New Mexico’s next legislative session kicks off in January.