Another Bummer: CCD’s Restrictions Leave Vendors With Limited Options

For an industry that’s heavily regulated but supposedly open for business, the CCD sure makes it hard for vendors to actually do business. The latest Industry Bulletin 25-04 effectively shuts down one of the most critical parts of any vendor summit, expo, or special event—the ability for brands to showcase their products in a real, tangible way.

Under these new compliance reminders, products cannot be sold or even displayed at special events like festivals, expos, or competitions unless they take place at a fully licensed retail location. That means for vendors attending the Schwazze x NM Cannabis Chamber Vendor Summit, the ability to show off their work, let retailers inspect the product, and build real purchasing confidence has been taken away.

For many vendors, the opportunity to let retailers see, smell, and understand their product is what solidifies a deal. But under these restrictions, unless you’re inside a licensed location, that’s simply not allowed. The CCD expects retailers to make buying decisions on blind faith instead of giving vendors a compliant way to educate and promote their brands.

Fast to Issue Licenses, Slow to Support the Industry

The CCD has been quick to approve licenses, flooding the market with competition. But when it comes to actually supporting the businesses they’ve licensed, there’s no structure, no industry-backed events, and no safe space for vendors to promote their products.

They’ve made it abundantly clear:

• Products may not be displayed or sold at special events unless inside a licensed retail establishment.

• All business activities must occur on an approved, licensed premises.

• CCD will be monitoring events and social media to enforce compliance and will issue fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation, including possible license suspensions.

This decision raises serious concerns about the future of industry events in New Mexico. The Best in Grass (BiG) Awards, a major industry award show, was slated to take place at the same event center in April. How this update will impact that event and future expos, networking summits, and award shows remains to be seen. Without a clear path forward, vendors are left wondering how they can promote their products, build relationships, and grow their business in a way that actually makes sense.

Where Do We Go From Here?

If New Mexico’s market is expected to thrive, it needs a legitimate way for vendors to promote their products—not just through PDFs, sell sheets, or sales calls, but in real, hands-on ways that drive informed purchasing decisions. The CCD has shut the door on special events, but offered no real alternative.

For now, the Schwazze x NM Cannabis Chamber Vendor Summit will remain compliant while continuing to push for industry-wide discussions on how we can create a real, sustainable way for brands and buyers to connect without jumping through endless bureaucratic hoops.

If the CCD truly wants a successful, compliant market, it’s time they start working with us, not against us.