Measure to legalize cannabis advances

SANTA FE — Legislators advanced a proposal Monday to legalize recreational marijuana across New Mexico and lift the state’s tight restrictions on production for its medical marijuana program.

A legislative committee on health issues endorsed one Democrat-backed House bill and sidelined a second in an effort to set up a taxed and regulated marketplace for broad cannabis sales.

The bill that advanced Monday, House Bill 12, would authorize statewide sales of cannabis to adults 21 and older, with some local discretion over taxes, and possible limitations on where and when cannabis is sold.

It won endorsement on a 7-4 committee vote with Democrats in support, and moves next to a tax policy committee for vetting before a possible House floor vote and Senate consideration.

Five bills legalizing recreational cannabis for adults have been filed.