New Mexico cannabis history
Reviewed
The governor signed the Cannabis Regulation Act on April 12, 2021. The regulator says the first licensed recreational sales began on April 1, 2022.
This is a short history, not legal advice. The rules that apply today are on the New Mexico cannabis laws page. A date is included only when the linked page states it.
At a glance
July 1, 2007The compiled medical statute says the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act was effective July 1, 2007.
April 12, 2021The Regulation and Licensing Department says the governor signed the Cannabis Regulation Act on April 12, 2021.
April 1, 2022The same page says the first licensed sales of recreational cannabis began on April 1, 2022.
Medical use and the penalty change
- The medical act’s purpose is to allow the beneficial use of medical cannabis in a regulated system.
- Senate Bill 323 says its provisions are effective July 1, 2019. The act decreases marijuana penalties.
The Cannabis Regulation Act
- The governor’s office said the signature would lead to commercial adult sales no later than April 1, 2022.
- The compiled act says the special-session law had no effective-date clause and, under the constitution, was effective June 29, 2021.
- The regulator dates the first licensed recreational sales to this day.
Sources
- the first licensed sales of recreational cannabis began on April 1, 2022
- beneficial use of medical cannabis in a regulated system
- effective July 1, 2019
- no later than April 1, 2022
- effective June 29, 2021
Citations were checked against the linked pages on October 24, 2026. Claims without a statute, election result, regulator page, court opinion, or news report were left out.