SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico brought recreational marijuana sales to the doorstep of Texas, the largest prohibition state, as the movement toward broad legalization sweeps up even more of the American West.
New Mexico has nurtured a medical marijuana program since 2007 under tight restrictions.
“I can’t explain how happy I am,” said Henson, a former real estate agent who says his affection for marijuana was a burden.
In Sunland Park, flanked by the Rio Grande and U.S.-Mexico border fencing, Mayor Javier Perea says marijuana retailers can set up across the small city of just 17,000 residents.
The state’s micro-business license to cultivate up to 200 plants for a flat $1,000 fee is attracting first-time commercial growers, such as recently retired U.S.