When discussing legalized cannabis dispensaries, opponents are quick to introduce the idea of open air drug markets that sell anything to anyone. However, this common scare tactic is contrary to reality. While cannabis is legal in the state of New Mexico, there are still quite a few New Mexico dispensary laws in place that regulate the weed industry.
If this lawless land was the vision you had in mind, you might be surprised to learn the level of detail involved in the overall setup of a dispensary and how much knowledge and care goes into each and every flower and THC infused product. But what exactly are the laws and regulations in place, and how do they impact the experience of THC buyers in New Mexico?
Read on to learn about New Mexico dispensary laws and a few common ways these laws impact your weed purchases.
New Mexico Dispensary Laws for Safety
When it comes to any medicine or substance meant for ingestion, safety should always be the number one priority. In New Mexico, the laws that help regulate cannabis products for safety are overseen by the Cannabis Control Division of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department.
Their role is to help guide businesses engaged in selling products containing THC towards best practices through enforcement of New Mexico laws. These laws fall under the Cannabis Regulation Act, which was first passed and signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 12, 2021.
Age-Related New Mexico Dispensary Laws
A person must be twenty-one to be allowed into a business governed under New Mexico dispensary laws. The only exception to this is that a person who is eighteen years of age is also permitted if they have a valid government ID and a valid medical marijuana card. This also applies to children of adults allowed to purchase THC products, which is different from other types of businesses.
The laws governing weed consumption also state that while you must be twenty-one to enjoy recreational use marijuana in New Mexico, you can also use THC products under the age of twenty-one if you have a medicinal card. This program began in New Mexico when the first medicinal marijuana laws were passed in 2007.
People seeking a medicinal card must first speak with their medical physician before using the state’s online website form to apply for their medicinal marijuana card.
New Mexico Weed Stays in New Mexico
Licenses are granted to varied levels of businesses involved in the weed industry. These licenses are very clear about the chain of custody paperwork that accompanies a THC product from cultivation to the final storefront where it is available for purchase or consumption.
This information can share where it was grown and who was responsible for the product as it progressed to the dispensary. Due to federal regulations, all New Mexico weed products are grown, processed, and sold for consumption in the state. For more information about the origin of weed products, check out our recent blog.
Contrary to what some people may think, the cannabis industry is not a lawless drug market open to everyone. The Cannabis Control Division has clearly outlined guidelines to help ensure the public can trust that the products they purchase are not only vetted for safety, but can be traced back to their very first seedling.
While New Mexico dispensary laws and guidelines are statewide and followed by all dispensaries, it’s just as important to have faith in the dispensary you select to help fulfill your cannabis needs.
Whether you’re looking for the highest quality medicine to seek relief from an ailment or you’re just looking to relax and enjoy your time in Santa Fe, let The Santa Fe Dispensary use our generations of experience in selecting the best bud for you.