New Mexico Senators File Two Marijuana Legalization Bills, With More On The Way

The first slate of what’s expected to be several bills to legalize marijuana in New Mexico this year were introduced on Monday.

A Republican senator is sponsoring one of the newly filed bills, while the other is being sponsored by a Democrat in the chamber. But because neither piece of legislation comprehensively addresses social equity issues, advocates are holding out hope for a separate House bill that’s expected to be formally introduced as early as Tuesday.

Sen. Cliff Pirtle (R), who filed a legalization bill in 2019 that would have established a state-run market, put out a new proposal that would create a private commercial industry. It would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to two ounces of marijuana.

Home cultivation would not be permitted. Cannabis “lounges” could be licensed by regulators, however.