Cannabis Bill Championed by Rep. Gallegos Passes House

Santa Fe, NM – In an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 10, the RLD Cannabis Enforcement, sponsored by Representative Doreen Gallegos (D-Dona Ana).  The bill would give the Cannabis Control Division within the Regulation and Licensing Department much needed enforcement powers to curb unlawful conduct by some cannabis licensees. 

“New Mexicans deserve safe, legal products.  Cannabis license holders should be able to compete in a market free of illegal interference,” said Rep. Gallegos. “HB 10 levels the playing field for all license holders, ensuring that nobody can sidestep the law to gain an unfair market advantage or endanger consumer safety.” 

HB10 passed the House by a vote of 68-1.  If passed and signed into law, the bill will establish an enforcement bureau within the Cannabis Control Division of RLD and empower them to enforce current regulations related to the conduct of cannabis related business in the state. 

“This is an important step forward for the cannabis industry in New Mexico.” Rep. Gallegos added. “I have in my district in the community of Berino, probably the largest indoor cannabis growing operation in New Mexico.  The owner has invested over 10 million dollars and is hiring local residents.  He has expressed his frustration with the current environment.  As he tells me, ‘it’s hard recouping your investment when you’re competing with cheaters.’  HB10 addresses this problem head on” Gallegos said.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill across the finish line and onto the Governor’s desk” concluded Gallegos.

HB10 now heads to the Senate.  The New Mexico Legislature will end on March 22, 2025.