Bill > HB11

This bill, titled the "Cannabis Revenue and Freedom Act" and also referred to as the "Cannabis Tax Act," establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis in New Mexico, aiming to address issues arising from its prohibition and to protect public health and safety. It legalizes the manufacture and sale of marijuana to individuals aged 21 and older, while also authorizing the Department of Agriculture to issue licenses for industrial hemp. The act defines various terms related to cannabis, including "marijuana," "marijuana items," and "licensed premises," and outlines limitations and exemptions, such as provisions for homegrown marijuana and homemade products within specified limits. It details the duties and powers of the Regulation and Licensing Department, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health in overseeing cannabis operations, including licensing, rule-making, and enforcement. The bill also introduces a state excise tax of 15% on marijuana items, with an additional 5% municipal and 5% county cannabis tax possible after local elections, and allocates revenue to public schools, substance abuse prevention, and state police operations. Furthermore, it amends existing laws to align with the new cannabis regulations, including changes to the Controlled Substances Act to exclude legally regulated cannabis activities and to the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act to clarify what constitutes a "substantial violation" in relation to cannabis.