Cannabis bill heads to House floor

SANTA FE — A bill legalizing recreational cannabis for adults is headed to the House floor after passing its second assigned committee Wednesday.

The House Taxation and Revenue Committee voted 8-4 to approve the legislation, House Bill 12, which could be voted on by the full chamber in the coming days.

The vote broke down along party lines, with Democrats voting in favor of the legislation and Republicans in opposition.

“New Mexico can lead the way with an adult-use cannabis legalization effort that protects medical cannabis patients, ensures racial equity in the new industry, and regulates and taxes this industry in smart ways,” the bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Javier Martínez, D-Albuquerque, said after Wednesday’s vote.

In its current form, the bill calls for a statewide 8% excise tax on legal marijuana sales. Cities and counties could each impose an additional 4% in local taxes on top of that.

In addition, the bill would allow New Mexicans to grow up to six mature cannabis plants, while also setting other personal possession limits.

Several other cannabis legalization measures have also been filed at the Roundhouse, but those measures have not yet advanced during the 60-day session.