The start date for sales ushers in a new era for cannabis as big business with implications for law enforcement, scarce water resources, economic opportunity and cannabis tourism along the state line with Texas.
Starting at midnight on April 1, all adults 21 and up will be allowed to buy up to 2 ounces of marijuana at retail outlets throughout the state.
The business spent months negotiating access to city water supplies as it prepares to stock its own cannabis stores in Hobbs, Roswell, Ruidoso and soon in Santa Teresa — a short drive from El Paso, Texas, and the U.S.
Josh McCurdy, a contract grower and consultant for upstart marijuana producers, has warned wannabe pot entrepreneurs in New Mexico to be conscious of the financial risks and competitive pressures.
By conservative estimates, state and local tax income from recreational cannabis will surpass $45 million annually within three years.
Pot consumption also will be allowed in designated hotel rooms, casinos, cigar bars and tobacco stores.