SANTA FE, N.M. – A bill aimed at addressing the unintentional consequences of New Mexico’s Cannabis Regulation Act faced a series of proposed amendments and hours of debate on the Senate floor. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Katy Duhigg, sought to fill gaps in the state’s marijuana industry regulations and sparked discussions about conflicts of interest among lawmakers.
The Senate voted 25-15 to approve the bill, known as Senate Bill 6, and it will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration with just nine days remaining in the session. Among the provisions of the bill are procedures for background checks, an exemption for retailers to prove water rights, and the allowance for residents with a liquor license to also obtain a cannabis retail license, though both products cannot be sold at the same location.
During the debate, one amendment removed a provision that prohibited drive-up windows, while another proposed amendment for a moratorium on new licenses failed to secure enough votes for adoption. Sen. Harold Pope Jr. introduced an amendment to prevent lawmakers from getting involved in the cannabis industry for an additional two years, but it was unsuccessful.
The issue of conflicts of interest drew attention after the Senate Judiciary Committee removed a clause that initially barred state lawmakers from participating in the cannabis industry until January 1, 2026. Some senators argued that lawmakers work in various fields without similar restrictions. Sen. Jeff Steinborn introduced an amendment allowing businesses with drive-thru windows to operate, which passed by a narrow margin of 21-20.
Other close votes on proposed amendments included one that would have given the superintendent of the state Regulation and Licensing Department the power to impose a moratorium on issuing new licenses. The amendment, put forward by Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, aimed to address the overcrowding of the market and the challenges faced by newcomers in the industry. However, it stalled with a tie vote and was ultimately rejected by Lt. Gov. Howie Morales.
The ongoing debates and proposed changes reflect the complexities and ongoing challenges of regulating the cannabis industry in New Mexico. As the bill progresses to the House of Representatives, further discussions and potential amendments are expected as lawmakers seek to navigate the evolving landscape of marijuana regulation.