A Las Cruces representative is looking to give the state more teeth in regulating the budding cannabis industry.
Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces) sponsored the RLD Cannabis Enforcement Act, which would give the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department the power to hire police to investigate and enforce actions against unlicensed cannabis operations.
“This bill ensures that all of our licensees will be on the same, level playing field and give RLD the necessary tools to enforce our existing laws,” said Rep. Gallegos in a news release. “As the cannabis market in New Mexico continues to grow, we must prioritize consumer safety and hold bad actors accountable.”
The news release also said an enforcement body would be staffed by six certified peace officers and a bureau chief. It would “have the authority to investigate and take action against unlicensed cannabis operations, impose stronger penalties for violations, and streamline compliance efforts.”
“The bill addresses concerns from both licensed businesses and agency stakeholders seeking a fair regulatory environment and a market free from adulterated or unlawful cannabis products,” the release said.
According to a legislative analysis, the Cannabis Control Division issued 15 violations in 2024 at about $10,000 per violation. If that trend continues, RLD’s cannabis enforcement group can expect to collect about $150,000 per year. Currently, that money is sent to a state education fund. However, with expanded capacity, the analysis said it was rational to assume that new enforcement could collect twice that much.
However, the same analysis also pointed out a few issues. For one, it pondered whether having RLD police officers would create jurisdictional overlap with State Police. And since the bill would allow these officers to conduct unannounced inspections, the analysis said that could place a burden on businesses already compliant with the law.
A retooled version of the bill passed the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. It was scheduled for another hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 10.
