Recreational cannabis takes off in Taos
It has been a booming first week of recreational cannabis sales in Taos and throughout New Mexico, with $5.2 million in total sales statewide over the first weekend (April 1-3).
Here in Taos, local companies Southwest Cannabis and Taos Cannabis Coop — both owned by Barbara Crawford — were the only ones with doors open on April 1.
On opening day at Southwest Cannabis, located at 1033A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, manager Jenne McIntosh said the business recorded approximately three times the amount of sales they would have on a normal Friday when they were just selling medical marijuana.
“It was a really great response,” she said of the reaction from recreational buyers. “Some folks just came in for a pre-rolled joint or a gram of flower, just to get the experience of the historicalness of being open to the public.”
McIntosh said they dealt with long lines all day Friday and over the weekend. “It was definitely crazy,” she said, adding that she was proud of the way her team handled the influx of customers. “They performed admirably and kept the flow going.”
Despite the long lines, McIntosh said staff members still do their best to take time with each customer, helping them to figure out which cannabis product is best for them. “We always try to be as educational as possible and let people know about the products that they’re buying and what will help them the most. Some folks come in and don’t even know the difference between sativa and indica,” she explained.
She said that approximately two-thirds of the customers on opening weekend were from out of state, with many people from Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado, which became the first state to legalize cannabis for recreational use in 2012. She said plenty of locals showed up as well to show their support and celebrate the historic first day of recreational sales.
“A lot of locals just haven’t had the opportunity to buy cannabis here recreationally and ended up
going to Colorado,” McIntosh said. “It was nice to hear that a lot more money is going to be staying in the state.”
There is a 20.6 percent sales tax on all recreational cannabis sales, while medical cannabis card holders do not have to pay any tax. The industry is expected to generate over $300 million annually, with some projections as high as $500 million. “I have a lot of confidence in our governor that she’s gonna choose good stuff to subsidize,” said McIntosh. Lawmakers have said the money will go toward social programs and economic development.
Taos Cannabis Coop, located nearby at 925 Paseo del Pueblo Sur #C, opened its doors just in time for recreational sales. Manager Rachelle Valdez said they were also very busy on opening day and throughout the weekend. Located just across the street from Walmart and adjacent to 9 to 5 Ship & Print, the store will eventually carry products from a variety of local cannabis growers.
“On Friday, we definitely had a line, but our crew was pretty good about getting everybody in and letting them look at the product,” said Valdez. “If we can’t help you at the moment, we let you come in and look around.”
When asked if they saw many first-time cannabis users, Valdez said “No, a lot of these people that came in already knew what they were looking for; but first-time buyers, yes, definitely… A lot of them were very excited about it.”
Valdez said the top selling items at the store have been the flower strains with the highest THC percentages, like AK-47 (with a whopping 24 percent THC), “and Green Crack, of course,” she said, referring to the strain famous for its energetic buzz and sweet taste.
Currently, the coop is carrying Southwest Cannabis flower, but as soon as other grows begin producing crops, Valdez said they hope to serve as a hub for all local products. “I am definitely looking forward to the micro-growing flower to come in, because I think that’s
really cool that we’re co-oping with locals,” she said, noting they talked to a fair amount of customers who were interested in doing future business.
Both store managers said they are looking forward to the growth in the cannabis industry. “Since [Southwest Cannabis has] spent a long time now being the only
dispensary in town, I really feel like we get to earn the confidence of our patients and our guests by having competition,” McIntosh said.