New Mexico’s Governor Fights for Cannabis Rights Amid Federal Seizures
Cross-Border Cannabis Battle: New Mexico Seeks Solutions for Seized Products
Summary
- New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has expressed concerns to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, regarding the seizure of marijuana products by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol within the state.
- Governor Lujan Grisham is worried about the increased risk and scrutiny faced by the cannabis industry in border states like New Mexico, where cannabis is legalized.
- The clash between state and federal laws has resulted in significant financial losses for the New Mexico cannabis sector, with over $300,000 worth of seized products from 12 licensed businesses.
- To address this issue, the Governor and Todd Stevens, Director of the Cannabis Control Division, are working to find solutions and protect the state’s cannabis industry while navigating existing laws.
- Licensed cannabis businesses in New Mexico can seek support from the Cannabis Control Division.
In a proactive move, New Mexico’s Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, has stepped into the fray concerning the seizure of marijuana products from licensed distributors by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol within the state. The governor’s concerns were directly conveyed to Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in discussions highlighted by Michael Coleman, the governor’s Director of Communications.
Coleman’s communications reveal that Governor Lujan Grisham expressed apprehension over what seems to be a heightened risk faced by the cannabis industry in border states, including New Mexico, where cannabis is legalized. This risk comes in the form of increased scrutiny and potential apprehensions by federal authorities, contrasting with the experiences of similar operators in non-border states.
The friction arises from the clash between state and federal laws, where the latter still classifies marijuana as illegal, thus overshadowing New Mexico’s laws which legalize both recreational and medical cannabis use. This legal discrepancy has led to significant financial losses for the New Mexico cannabis sector, with the New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce reporting over $300,000 in seized products from 12 licensed businesses.
Despite Homeland Security’s stance that federal policies on cannabis have remained consistent, Governor Lujan Grisham is actively seeking solutions to safeguard the state’s cannabis industry. She is not alone in her efforts; Todd Stevens, Director of the Cannabis Control Division, also plays a pivotal role. Stevens is engaged in dialogue with counterparts in other states that have legalized cannabis but are subject to Border Patrol checkpoints, aiming to uncover the reason behind New Mexico’s unique predicament as highlighted by no similar reports of product seizures.
Licensed cannabis businesses in New Mexico facing product seizures are encouraged to reach out to the Cannabis Control Division for support. Under Governor Lujan Grisham’s leadership, efforts continue to align state and federal perspectives on cannabis, seeking a balanced approach that protects local industries while navigating the complexities of existing laws.
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