Pot debate stirs gov. race
ALBUQUERQUE — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jeff Apodaca on Thursday called for the expansion of New Mexico’s medical marijuana program and for legalization of recreational use, saying the poverty-stricken state is missing out on millions of dollars in tax revenues and jobs that could be spurred by the industry.
Apodaca released his legalization plan as the race for governor heats up.
Apodaca pointed to New Mexico’s history as the first state to allow for research and experimentation with marijuana as a therapeutic drug. It was his father, then-Gov. Jerry Apodaca, who signed that legislation in 1978.
The research program stalled and it wasn’t until 2008 that New Mexico rolled out its Medical Cannabis Program.
“Why are we shooting for being the last to legalize cannabis for adult use?” Apodaca said.
The push for legalization comes as New Mexico’s medical marijuana program has grown exponentially in just the last two years. Producers licensed under the program reported record sales of more than $86 million in 2017 and the number of patients enrolled now tops 50,000.
“We know the medical benefits of it. And we also know the opportunities of legalization for adult use,” Apodaca said, suggesting expansion of the longstanding medical marijuana program along with legalization could result in an estimated $200 million of additional tax revenues for the state.
The state’s largest producer, Ultra Health, announced that it has acquired farmland in Southern New Mexico and has plans for what the industry says could be the largest cultivation facility in North America.
The property spans nearly onethird of a square mile in Otero County. It will include 20 acres of indoor cultivation, 80 acres of outdoor cannabis fields and another 100 acres of outdoor hemp fields.
Ultra Health President and CEO Duke Rodriguez said the company is preparing for a future in which New Mexico stands to benefit from expanded medical use and possibly recreational use.
Apodaca’s plan calls for lifting the current limits on the number of plants producers can grow and reducing costly licensing fees.