A judge's decision on a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could affect the fate of hundreds of legal cannabis operators in New Mexico. The lawsuit seeks to halt Border Patrol from seizing legal cannabis and vehicles from state-licensed businesses at interior border checkpoints. It also seeks the return of seized goods and compensation.
Advocates say the case has entered a critical moment. Following a recent attempt by the feds to get the case dismissed, the judge is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether to allow oral arguments. Matt Kennicott, CEO and co-founder of cannabis industry association The Plug, says the entire case could hinge on the decision.
"Oral arguments would really give us a great chance of getting this case to the next level," he says. "That's what we're really hoping for."
Kennicott says he believes the case could have a huge impact on cannabis in New Mexico, with ramifications that could affect industry stakeholders in other parts of the country.
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