The bill amends the Cannabis Regulation Act in New Mexico to improve the licensing process for cannabis activities by introducing new requirements for state and national criminal history checks for applicants. This ensures that thorough background checks are conducted, enhancing accountability as all applications for cannabis activity licensure must now be signed by the applicant. The legislation also expands definitions within the Act, adding terms such as "applicant," "cannabis consumption area," and "cannabis courier" to clarify the roles of various stakeholders in the cannabis industry.

Additionally, the bill establishes a cannabis control division responsible for administering the Act and ensuring compliance with industry standards. It mandates the division to adopt rules by January 1, 2022, regarding licensure qualifications, security requirements, and product labeling, while also emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the cannabis industry, particularly for communities affected by past prohibitions. Key provisions include the confidentiality of criminal history information, requirements for applicants to demonstrate legal access to water resources, and the submission of plans for energy and water reduction. The division will also monitor cannabis supply and demand to prevent the perpetuation of the illicit market.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 26-2C-2, 26-2C-3, 26-2C-3.1, 26-2C-7