226952 RELATING TO CANNABIS; AMENDING THE CANNABIS REGULATION ACT TO PROVIDE FOR A TEMPORARY PAUSE ON THE CANNABIS CONTROL DIVISION OF THE REGULATION AND LICENSING DEPARTMENT'S ACCEPTANCE AND PROCESSING OF A

Sen Siah Correa Hemphill

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 Senate Bill 226952 (SB 226952) This act is an amendment to the Cannabis Regulation Act in the state of New Mexico.  

 Senate Bill 226952 (SB 226952) Temporary Pause on Cannabis Retailer Licenses: The amendment introduces a temporary pause on the acceptance and processing of new applications for cannabis retailer licenses. This pause is effective from the enactment of the act for a period of seven months.
Licensing Process and Conditions: The Cannabis Regulation Act outlines the licensing process for various cannabis-related activities. It sets deadlines for accepting and processing license applications for different types of cannabis activities.
Water Supply and Energy Efficiency Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate a legal right to a commercial water supply. Cannabis producers and manufacturers are required to submit plans for energy and water reduction, including measures such as drip irrigation, water collection, natural lighting, energy efficiency, and renewable energy generation.
Sales and Activities Authorization: The act allows for retail sales of cannabis by a certain date and authorizes activities permitted by the Cannabis Regulation Act and the medical cannabis program. A minimum of twenty-five percent of monthly cannabis sales is designated for qualified patients, primary caregivers, and reciprocal participants until a specified date.
Licensing Denial Criteria: The division can deny a license application if it lacks required information or if the applicant or controlling person has been convicted of an offense substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business. Certain felony convictions, particularly those involving fraud, deceit, or embezzlement, may be considered substantially related.
Criminal History Background Checks: The division is mandated to conduct national and state criminal history background checks for various license categories, including cannabis manufacturers, producers, retailers, and testing laboratories. The arrest record information obtained is confidential.
Revocation and Reapplication: The act outlines conditions under which a license may be revoked and sets a three-year waiting period before a person whose license has been revoked can reapply. The division has discretion in considering circumstances leading to the revocation when deciding whether to issue a new license.