ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The Latest on marijuana issues in New Mexico (all times local):
5:35 p.m.
Possessing marijuana in small amounts will no longer be a crime in Albuquerque starting Friday, the same day as the unofficial 420 pot holiday.
A spokesman for Albuquerque City Councilman Pat Davis says the recently passed ordinance decriminalizing pot possession in small amounts takes effect Friday.
The ordinance was signed into law this month by Mayor Tim Keller. It amends the city’s criminal code to make possessing an ounce of pot or less a citable offense that can come with a $25 ticket but no jail time.
Previously, possession of one ounce or less of marijuana was a criminal offense punishable by up to a $50 fine or 15 days in jail for a first offense, although data shows such arrests were becoming increasingly rare.
Davis and fellow Councilman Isaac Benton were sponsors of the measure.
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10:45 a.m.
New Mexico’s top medical marijuana producer is buying farmland in southern New Mexico where it plans to build what it says will be the largest cannabis cultivation facility in North America.
Ultra Health announced the acquisition Thursday, unveiling a three-dimensional rendering of what the facility will look like via social media.
The property spans nearly one-third of a square mile (81 hectares) in Otero County. It will include 20 acres (8 hectares) of indoor cultivation, 80 acres (32 hectares) of outdoor cannabis fields and another 100 acres (40 hectares) of outdoor hemp fields.
Ultra Health president and CEO Duke Rodriguez says the company is preparing for a future in which New Mexico stands to benefit from an expanded medical marijuana market and legalized recreational use.
Legalization is shaping up to be among the campaign issues in the gubernatorial race.
The company says the grow facility is expected to employ about 100 people.
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9:30 a.m.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jeff Apodaca is calling for the expansion of New Mexico’s medical marijuana program and for legalization of recreational use.
Apodaca released his plan Thursday, saying New Mexico is losing out on jobs and tax revenues that could be generated by the industry.
New Mexico’s medical program has grown exponentially and now has more than 50,000 patients. Record sales were also reported in 2017.
At a recent forum, Republican Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce expressed reservations about legalization.
Among the other Democratic candidates, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she would support a measure that includes adequate health and enforcement measures to prevent underage use and workplace problems.
State Sen. Joseph Cervantes has sponsored unsuccessful legislation to decriminalize possession of small quantities of pot but has said the state isn’t ready yet to legalize.
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