New Mexico Marijuana Legalization Bill Advances Through House Committee With 3 to 1 Vote
New Mexico’s House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee has voted 3 to 1 to advance a measure to legalize recreational cannabis.
According to a legislative synopsis for the proposal (sponsored by State Representatives Bill McCamley and Javier Martinez); “House Bill 89 enacts the Cannabis Revenue and Freedom Act (CRFA); which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the legal production, processing and sale (to persons 21 years of age and older) of industrial hemp, marijuana and marijuana items”.
It must now go through two more committees before being sent to a vote in the full House. It’s passage in the House would send it to the Senate; passage there would put it to the desk of Governor Susana Martinez for final consideration.
“This is the one thing we can do this year that will instantly inject a massive amount of money into our economy and create jobs right away;” says Representative McCamley.
According to poll released just a few months ago by the Albuquerque Journal; 61% of voters in the state support legalizing cannabis, with just 34% opposed.
Click here for the full text of House Bill 89.