New Mexico's governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a bill that officially legalizes recreational cannabis in the state.
"This legislation is a major, major step forward for our state," said the governor. "Legalized adult-use cannabis is going to change the way we think about New Mexico for the better – our workforce, our economy, our future."
The focus of this legalization bill is on giving small entrepreneurs and minorities easier access to a market that is forecasted to be potentially worth approximately $425 million.
"We are going to increase consumer safety by creating a bona fide industry. We’re going to start righting past wrongs of this country’s failed war on drugs. And we’re going to break new ground in an industry that may well transform New Mexico’s economic future for the better," the governor said.
She also pointed out that licensed cannabis growers can begin scaling up cultivation several months ahead of opening day in efforts to keep pace with demands when sales begin.
Sales are indeed expected to begin on April 1st 2022.