The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) has released a statement supporting New Mexico’s first day of adult-use cannabis sales slated for April 1.
The New Mexico Cannabis Regulation Act and the Expungement of Certain Criminal Records Act possess provisions addressing prior harms of criminalization, social equity, and the protection of medical cannabis patients.
“A new era for marijuana justice is here,” Drug Policy Alliance Senior Director Emily Kaltenbach said. “After years of hard work against long odds, New Mexicans can finally legally purchase cannabis for adult use. By placing social equity and justice front and center, the Cannabis Regulation Act is an outright victory for the communities hit hardest by the cruel and inhumane war on drugs. And this reform wouldn’t have been possible had it not been the years of input and dedication from New Mexicans across the state.”
Kaltenbach said New Mexicans ensured legalization included equitable opportunities for farmers and other small businesses, medical cannabis patients, and justice for those with past cannabis arrests or convictions.
“Next week, we continue the hard work to make sure that cannabis tax revenue gets reinvested back into communities most harmed by prohibition and that the law is implemented fairly and justly for all New Mexicans,” Kaltenbach said.
DPA officials said the organization has been at the forefront of efforts to end marijuana prohibition in New Mexico while creating a new, regulated marijuana industry rooted in racial and economic justice.