2021 may bring some big changes to New Mexico, as the legislative session starts on Tuesday. Among some of the top priorities for Democrats — legalize marijuana after years of failing to do so twice in years past.New Mexicans voted out some conservative Democrats who opposed legalizing recreational marijuana in 2020. Liberal lawmakers have high hopes for the 60-day legislative session.”I think we’re going to make this a very good bill and I think we’re going to pass it,” Democratic Rep. Javier Martinez said.Martinez is leading the effort to get cannabis passed.15 states and the District of Columbia approved recreational use. Often passed by voter referendum. It’s more difficult to get an issue on the ballot in New Mexico, compared to other places. This is why the governor and progressive lawmakers want to pass by statute.”I’m opposed to recreational marijuana,” Republican Sen.-elect Gregg Schmedes said.Schmedes has concerns with how this could impact the medicinal marijuana users.”We’re going to have a lot people that lose access to health care as they choose to go the recreational route as instead of the medical route,” Schmedes said. He added some will self-medicate and not see their doctors. Others said the price for medicinal users will spike if legalized. Martinez said not under his bill.”We will begin to treat, under the tax system, medical cannabis…
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2021 may bring some big changes to New Mexico, as the legislative session starts on Tuesday. Among some of the top priorities for Democrats — legalize marijuana after years of failing to do so twice in years past.New Mexicans voted out some conservative Democrats who opposed legalizing recreational marijuana in 2020. Liberal lawmakers have high hopes for the 60-day legislative session.”I think we’re going to make this a very good bill and I think we’re going to pass it,” Democratic Rep. Javier Martinez said.Martinez is leading the effort to get cannabis passed.15 states and the District of Columbia approved recreational use. Often passed by voter referendum. It’s more difficult to get an issue on the ballot in New Mexico, compared to other places. This is why the governor and progressive lawmakers want to pass by statute.”I’m opposed to recreational marijuana,” Republican Sen.-elect Gregg Schmedes said.Schmedes has concerns with how this could impact the medicinal marijuana users.”We’re going to have a lot people that lose access to health care as they choose to go the recreational route as instead of the medical route,” Schmedes said. He added some will self-medicate and not see their doctors. Others said the price for medicinal users will spike if legalized. Martinez said not under his bill.”We will begin to treat, under the tax system, medical cannabis…
