Governor to Call a Special Session of the Legislation Specifically for “Adult-Use Cannabis” legalization in New Mexico
The 60-day legislation session ended at noon on Saturday. Approximately 175 of the bills introduced this session were approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate and are now on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature. Governor Lujan-Grisham had made a very vocal push for them to legalize recreational marijuana, which is now called adult use cannabis, but the bill, having made it to the Senate floor schedule in the final days of the session, was not heard- thereby tabling it for this year.
Not wanting to wait, within an hour after the close of this session, the governor made public an announcement that she is calling them back in two weeks for a special session specifically to get the recreational marijuana bill on her desk for signature.
“Legalized adult use cannabis is one of the best moves we can make in our work to build a bona fide 21st century economy in New Mexico,” she said. Also, “We have an incredible framework ready to go for adult-use cannabis, and given the circumstances where you have to come together and really look at that couldn’t get done in time for both chambers who want to be able to vote on adult use, so we’re going to give them that opportunity.” Then she added, “In short we will finish the job!”
The governor went on to say she believes legalization of adult-use cannabis will be one of the largest job-creation programs in state history, driving entrepreneurial opportunities statewide for decades to come. She looks forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to get the job done and done right.
Her expectation and hope is for lawmakers to reconvene “on or about March 31.”
The governor did not rule out the possibility other measures would be considered at the special session, calling it “premature” to say nothing else would be on the agenda.
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