With the Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA), New Mexico was the first state in the nation to establish a medical marijuana law and recently joined the ranks of states allowing recreational marijuana for adults, one of five states to do so in 2021 (so far).
This blog from ImEPIK will look at cannabis and edible marijuana products allowed by the New Mexico legalization and some considerations that will help producers meet the needs of consumers and suppliers in the state.
New Mexico’s Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA)
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA) in April, and it became law on June 29.
The New Mexico cannabis law creates a comprehensive licensing, taxing, and regulatory enforcement structure for adult use of cannabis in the state, administered by the Cannabis Control Division.
The law allows people who are 21 years and older to possess up to two ounces of cannabis, 16 grams of extract, or 800 milligrams of edible cannabis outside the home. More significant amounts are allowed in residents’ homes. Residents can also cultivate up to six mature plants for personal use.
Medical Cannabis Program Well-Established in NM, Recreational Use Plans Underway
New Mexico’s first law allowing medical use of cannabis was the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act, passed in 1978. As the first law like this in the nation, availability was highly regulated, allowing cannabis use only through a program approved by the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, cannabis had to be sourced from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
New Mexico’s Legislature in 2007 passed the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, which allows cannabis use for several medical conditions when recommended by a doctor. New Mexico was the 12th state to pass such a law.
That means a variety of edibles have been available to patients at New Mexico dispensaries for medical sales for a long time. However, dispensaries for recreational cannabis haven’t been approved yet. According to a timeline established by the state (HB 2), licensed dispensaries will be approved and open for business by April 1, 2022.
Medical and Recreational Use of Cannabis Edibles Increases Across the Nation
The overall global edibles market continues to grow as cannabis use in the United States and across the globe rises. According to a report on the types of cannabis edibles released by Zion Market Research in early 2021, the “growing acceptance of cannabis is the key factor likely to drive the cannabis edibles market globally in the future.”
According to Zion Market Research’s report summary, the global edibles market was $2.38 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $11.56 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.4%.
Cannabis edibles offer consumers a choice where smoking or vaping isn’t allowed, and the body processes the drug differently than when smoked, leading to longer-lasting effects.
Food Safety Training for Companies Producing Edibles
Any company that makes cannabis edibles must implement food safety measures to ensure consumers receive the safest products.
At ImEPIK, we’re market leaders in food safety training for cannabis processing and edibles production. As entrepreneurs enter the market in states that have recently passed laws allowing cannabis use, we’re here to provide your employees with food safety training.
Contact ImEPIK to learn more about our multi-part Cannabis Edibles Safety Course©, and prepare for business opportunities in New Mexico and other states that allow cannabis use.