SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The Latest on a recreational marijuana (all times local):
11:50 p.m.
A proposal to authorize recreational marijuana sales and consumption for people 21 and over in New Mexico has been endorsed by the New Mexico House of Representatives.
By a 36-34 vote Thursday, the Democrat-led House passed a bill that would regulate and tax marijuana sales largely through state-operated stores. Marijuana products would be sold on a consignment basis. The system would be unique in the United States but mimics established state-run stores for liquor.
Some private stores would be allowed in areas far from government-run stores.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Democratic Rep. Javier Martinez called the bill a “grand bargain” between Senate Republican and House Democrats who merged competing proposals.
Ten states and the district of Columbia allow recreational marijuana. New Mexico would become the second state after Vermont to approve it by legislation rather than a ballot initiative.
The bill does not allow for home-grown recreational marijuana. State-approved medical marijuana patients would still be able grown their own.
___
11:10 p.m.
Recreational marijuana would be sold largely at state-operated consignment stores across New Mexico without the right to grow recreational cannabis at home under a compromise legalization bill.
Democratic House lawmakers on Thursday unveiled a compromise bill to legalize recreational marijuana that incorporates a proposal from Senate Republicans.
Lead House bill sponsor Javier Martinez of Albuquerque says that conducting sales through state-run stores would prevent the proliferation of pot shops on city streets.
The proposal limits homegrown marijuana to people enrolled in the state’s existing medical marijuana program. Recreational users would be allowed to carry up to one ounce of marijuana and have to carry an official receipt under the proposed law.
Private dispensaries would be allowed where there is no state-run marijuana store within 25 miles. Oversight of the industry would be shared by state agriculture, health and environmental officials.
___
9:15 a.m.
The New Mexico House of Representatives is deliberating over a proposal to regulate and tax recreational marijuana sales for people 21 and over.
Debate began Thursday on a Democrat-sponsored bill to authorize marijuana sales to the general public at private dispensaries and to issue licenses to commercial producers, retailers and people who grow up to a dozen plants for personal use.
The bill seeks to repeal criminal laws governing cannabis offenses and expunge and destroy criminal conviction records. It eliminates taxes on medical marijuana to help ensure sufficient supplies to patients.
A rival Senate bill with Republican sponsors would allow recreational marijuana sales through state-run consignment stores.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says successful legislation must help prevent child access and address issues of intoxication while driving and workplace safety.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.