Recreational pot bill hits roadblock in House committee
SANTA FE – The latest attempt to add New Mexico to the ranks of states that have legalized recreational marijuana use – and taxed its sales – was derailed Monday in a House panel, when four Democrats joined with the committee’s five Republicans to table the measure.
The 9-1 vote in the House Business and Industry Committee after more than two hours of debate all but ensures the bill will not land on Gov. Susana Martinez’s desk before the 60-day legislative session ends March 18.
With uncertainty swirling about whether President Donald Trump’s administration will shift federal policy and crack down on states that have legalized recreational pot, some lawmakers expressed concern about legalizing recreational marijuana in New Mexico. Eight states and the District of Columbia have enacted such laws.
They also expressed concern about marijuana’s effect on young people – although the bill would have limited legal sales to those age 21 and older – and skepticism about claims that legalization would curb the influence of drug cartels.
Read more: https://www.abqjournal.com/958510/bill-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-use-fizzles-in-house-committee.html