The recreational marijuana market in New Mexico is booming, with monthly sales of nearly $25 million.
However, not all dispensaries are following the rules, and not enough inspectors are available to fully enforce the state’s regulations on cannabis.
Pat Davis, who led the effort to legalize marijuana in New Mexico, called the state “a hot new market.” Our entire program is currently in development. It’s very costly to construct in your system.
Since New Mexico legalized recreational marijuana use more than a year ago, the state has seen a proliferation of cannabis dispensaries, which now number 580. Some have claimed that this industry has been difficult due to the high level of competition and the numerous regulations that must be observed.
Andrew Vallejos, the director of cannabis control for the state, remarked, “It’s a highly regulated market.” The plant must be grown within the state’s borders and cannot be transported out of the state if the state decides to implement a regulated adult-use market or medical market.”
Some dispensaries, according to state officials and a Target 7 investigation, are allegedly selling marijuana from out of state, putting customers at risk.
Target 7, therefore, visited multiple Albuquerque cannabis dispensaries and reported our findings to the government.
While inspecting a product bought by a dispensary on Menaul Blvd., Vallejos remarked, “This one has clearly been imported from out of state.”
A Target 7 manufacturer purchased some ‘Jetter Juice from the pot shop.
It’s a vape pen that uses a liquid form of THC. A THC label indicating that the product was legal in California was included in the packaging.
It’s manufactured in California under the supervision of a licensed company that is not based in New Mexico, which is against the state’s legalization statute.”
Davis claimed that some New Mexico dispensaries are importing cannabis from other states at a discount.
“Davis: “The price of cannabis in California is about half because there are so many growers there. “Therefore, a shrewd dealer can travel to California and purchase a case of these products for half the price that they would cost in New Mexico, thus increasing their profit margin significantly.”
Paradise Exotic’s Distro was visited by state agents as part of Operation Target 7, and the agents there issued a notice to the business’s owners alleging five separate violations.
The company’s records show that they sold merchandise from out of state, failed to accurately label the merchandise, and failed to keep accurate financial records.
Between sales and what was reported to the state, there was a $33,000 gap.
To date, no criminal charges have been brought. The company has until next week to submit a formal hearing request in response to the charges. Potentially, their driving privileges will be revoked.
“No, I won’t deny it. Miss Morris, a worker at Paradise Exotic’s Distro, explained that “it wasn’t that it was supposed to be sold.” Morris claimed that the product was mistakenly made available for purchase. She added that she is coordinating with the state to ensure that she is in order.
