SANTA FE—The Cannabis Control Division of the Regulation and Licensing Department on Wednesday announced that they had issued the first new cannabis licenses under the Cannabis Regulation Act.
“This is a big day for New Mexico’s future,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I am proud of the work this administration has done. Securing legalization was only the first step. Creating an industry where New Mexico entrepreneurs can prosper and where communities can reap the economic benefit of a new industry is crucial. And today’s news is a key milepost in that ongoing effort.”
“With the issuing of these three licenses, the adult-use cannabis industry in New Mexico is officially up and running,” said RLD Superintendent Linda M. Trujillo. “In the coming days and weeks, we look forward to licensing more cannabis businesses and microbusinesses so that entrepreneurs, communities and the state can maximize the economic opportunities created by a thriving cannabis industry.”
The first producer license was awarded to a father-and-sons-team in Aztec: father Steve Martinez, son Mitchell Martinez and son Tony Martinez.
“Our Family and community of cultivators are thankful to have this opportunity cultivating a plant we love at scale,” said Tony Martinez. “We will continue sustainably producing terpene-rich cannabis for New Mexicans and are excited to enter the solvent-less extracts and retail market soon!”
Carver Family Farm of Albuquerque and BAUDABOOMZ2, LLC of Edgewood received the first micro producer licenses.
"Opening a cannabis micro producer business has been a dream, and now it's coming true,” said the owners of newly licensed BAUDABOOMZ2, LLC. “In our communities, local products are valued and local businesses make a difference. We are excited to get started and to be part of this industry."
Carver Family Farm, is a minority- and grower-owned cannabis microbusiness that will use no-till living soil and organic growing processes. Carver Family Farm will also utilize energy- and water-saving techniques and equipment to preserve New Mexico's precious resources.
“Environmental concerns are important to us and we are doing all we can to create a sustainable business in this new industry,” Matt Muñoz, chief innovation and finance officer said. “We are excited that eight months of sleepless nights and hard work is paying off. We believe that companies like Carver Family Farm are the reason Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham helped create the microbusiness program.”
Through an open and transparent process, the CCD has been working since its creation on June 29 to create regulations for the new cannabis industry. Producer rules were finalized first, ahead of a September 1 statutory deadline. Rules for all other sectors, including retail and manufacturing, are in process and will be in place by the January 1 statutory deadline.
“This is an exciting time to for New Mexico’s new cannabis industry,” said CCD Director Kristen Thomson. “These licenses are historic and not only move New Mexico forward, but also reflect New Mexico values of social equity and fairness.”
With more than 120 producer license applications submitted, the professional staff has been carefully reviewing applications and working with applicants to complete their applications and approve licenses. Unlike in some other states, there is no limit on the number of cannabis licenses in New Mexico. Applicants who complete the licensing process will receive a license.
The Cannabis Regulation Act, passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor earlier this year, requires sales of adult-use cannabis to begin no later than April 1, 2022.
“With the issuing of these licenses, producers can get seeds in the ground today and we will be able to start adult-use sales on time,” Thomson said. “With nearly $300 million in sales expected, 11,000 jobs being created and $50 million in tax revenue in the first year alone, we are excited to be lifting up this industry that will help diversify and enrich our state’s economy.”
Anyone interested in applying for a cannabis license should visit the CCD website at ccd.rld.state.nm.us. Prospective licensees are encouraged to review the online checklists and participate in the CCD’s Grow New Mexico online business-development classes to make sure they have a strong foundation of information when they start the process.