PORTALES — The Clovis-Portales area is expected to host the state’s third-largest market for legalized recreational cannabis projects when retail sales begin in April, but snags with the licensing of growers in the state could mean shortages of products on retail shelves.
Nancy Evanhoff, a dispensary operator, said her biggest problem at present is “cities not working with us” on their respective licensing and permitting processes.
Jaynes said he and others have faced obstacles related to reporting projected electricity use, security camera deployment and other requirements.
“We can’t process credit cards,” she said, and in all of New Mexico there are only two banks that will take cannabis business accounts.
In an area where median family income is about $37,000 per year, he said, jobs that pay $14 to $18 an hour will be in high demand.
Jaynes said the state projects cannabis sales could be as high as $250 million a year.
Austin said questions about water use, impact on wastewater systems, and electric power use are still unanswered.