NMBLC breaks down the legalization of cannabis in New Mexico and spotlights the Black-owned business Mujeres Campground’s First Annual Ganja Freedom Fest.
The push to legalize cannabis in New Mexico goes back to 1999 with Governor Johnson’s then controversial pro-legalization campaign that cost him members of his cabinet and subjected him to national ridicule. Johnson’s actions helped lay the foundation for where we are today. New Mexico’s medical marijuana program launched in 2007. And on April 1st, the commercial sale of marijuana for recreational use became legal in New Mexico, a year after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the legislation. The industry is expected to bring $300 million in sales to the state.
First Annual Ganja Freedom Fest
Weed has been a central part of the Rastafari spiritual tradition, originating in Jamaica and popularized by reggae superstar Bob Marley, since the 1940s. Rastafari owners of the Mujeres Valley Campground are ready to celebrate New Mexico’s opening up of the cannabis industry.
The owners of the Mujeres Valley Campground believe in the sacred healing properties of the cannabis plant and know that the freedom of this plant in New Mexico needs to be celebrated by Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC).
Support a Black owned business at the 1st Annual Ganja Freedom Fest happening April 15–17, 2022. Hosted by the owners of the Mujeres Valley Campground in Fence Lake, New Mexico, this family event brings together the outdoors, camping, live musical performances, cannabis, wellness therapists, giveaways, and more. The music lineup includes acts from in and outside the state, including NM’s popular reggae/rock band Reviva and Tuff Like Iron from Jamaica.
The gorgeous campground is located along the Great Continental Divide roughly 140 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico and boasts 20 acres of private space for registered attendees. Your ticket purchase automatically enters you in the raffle drawing. Follow Ganja Freedom Fest on Instagram for event updates and more giveaway opportunities.
Ganja Freedom Fest on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ganjafreedomfest/
Tickets for Ganja Freedom Fest: https://www.eventhi.io/event/ganja-freedom-fest-5310
Cannabis and Law Enforcement in New Mexico
After decades of criminalization and incarceration for marijuana use, the legalization of cannabis sales raises a question: What can we expect from law enforcement out on these streets? According to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), the answer is simple: Don’t make it their business.
APD’s policy is that if you are age 21 or over, cannabis use is none of their business. Certain activities, however, are against the law and will be enforced. Read on for the list of DON’Ts when it comes to cannabis use in New Mexico:
- Use or possess cannabis if you are under the age of 21. Individuals under the age of 21, however, can enroll in the medical cannabis program.
- Drive under the influence.
- Smoke cannabis in public places.
- Purchase cannabis from a source other than a licensed dispensary. If stopped by a law enforcement officer, you’ll be asked to show your receipts proving the legitimate source of purchase.
- Take cannabis across state lines.
Whether you choose to consume or not is none of our business.
—Albuquerque Police Department
If you have a medical marijuana card, don’t let it go just because it’s legal now. There are many additional benefits to having a card, such as not paying NM Gross Receipts Tax, different age restrictions, guaranteed supply, and additional legal protections. Check out The Paper article for more details: https://abq.news/2021/08/dont-burn-your-med-card-now-that-were-a-rec-state/
Lawmakers approved a bill in 2021 to expunge past criminal records related to cannabis possession. Judicial officials have begun reviewing records to make that happen.
Two tribal communities, Picuris and Pojoaque pueblos, have agreements in place to take part in the marijuana market without interference from federal law enforcement. This will hopefully deter any further raids like the one committed last September against a Picuris resident who was growing plants to manage PTSD and anxiety.
Cannabis is legal in New Mexico. Where can you get it?
List of cannabis dispensaries in Albuquerque: https://cabq.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/4be0b05fa6444888b7174e0d92c9747b
Statewide searchable map: https://potguide.com/new-mexico/marijuana-dispensaries/
Shout out to the Verdes Foundation, an NMBLC donor and woman-led cannabis dispensary: https://www.verdesfoundation.org/
New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/mcp/svcs/
First Annual Ganja Freedom Festival: https://nmblackhistory.nmblc.org/event/new-mexicos-1st-annual-ganja-freedom-fest-hosted-by-ganja-freedom-fest/
Other sources on all things cannabis: The Paper’s Rolling Paper: https://abq.news/cannabis/
Great Post! It’s important for New Mexico to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with cannabis legalization thoughtfully. Learning from the experiences of other states that have legalized cannabis and incorporating best practices can contribute to a well-managed and successful implementation of new cannabis policies.
We agree. Thank you for your feedback!