Joint Effort: Shaping the Future of New Mexico’s Cannabis Landscape
In Santa Fe, on a Friday evening in early November, the cannabis community will gather for a Townhall Meeting—a moment that feels like a cross between a family reunion and strategy session. The meeting is branded “Industry Sesh,” and they’ll be talking about the usual suspects: an industry drowning in licenses, and what the future holds. But it’s more than that—Everyone knows the market is saturated, and the calls to limit licenses are getting louder. But, here’s the question: Is cutting off the flow of new licenses necessary to protect the industry from collapsing under its own weight?
It’s no secret that New Mexico’s green rush has spiraled into a wild west of dispensaries on every corner—each promising a slice of the American dream, a shot at turning weed into gold. But with an oversaturated market, those dreams are starting to look more like delusions. Sure, it’s a problem. But is it fair to say we should close the doors on the next would-be operator? Do we deny the chance for someone to open a family-run shop, staking their claim in the neighborhood they call home? Do we shut out the MSOs, the ones with deep pockets and a willingness to invest in local infrastructure, bringing jobs and stability to a state that needs it?
If you grew up believing in the American Dream—or, hell, if you watched too many movies—then you know there’s always room to root for the underdog, and strive to be part of something bigger. For someone to defy the odds, start small, and make it big. Or maybe one of the big dogs—a multi-state operator—decides to put down roots and bring jobs, investment, and provide careers like Intel. Or maybe we’ll just be left with more vacant businesses and “$15 ounces” at Walmart, till those are gone too.
Yeah, it’s complicated—there’s no easy answer here. But let’s dig deeper into what’s really at stake: Here are some other topics to consider.
Quality Control and Consistency: With a flooded market, there’s bound to be variability in product quality. How do we set standards to ensure safety and reliability without strangling small businesses with excessive red tape?
Local vs. MSO Dominance: There’s tension between mom-and-pop shops and larger multi-state operators (MSOs). Should there be incentives to help local businesses thrive, or should we embrace the investment and economic boost that big players can bring? Can’t we do both?
Workforce Development: What about the people behind the counter? With so many shops, training standards become critical. How do we cultivate a knowledgeable workforce and not just churn out clerks?
Black Market Competition: It’s not going away, and with more dispensaries, there’s still the lurking threat of cheaper, unregulated competition. What’s the strategy to keep people choosing legal options?
Sustainability: Cannabis production is resource-heavy. Should the industry focus on environmentally friendly practices, like water conservation, organic cultivation, and sustainable packaging? For example: Where are all these non disposable “disposables” going?
Social Equity and Inclusivity: How can New Mexico ensure that underrepresented communities benefit from the green rush, not just wealthy investors? Are there pathways for marginalized groups to get licenses and thrive?
Medical vs. Recreational Prioritization: With recreational use expanding, is the medical market getting left behind? What protections can we ensure for patients who rely on medical-grade products?
There’s a lot at stake with this young industry, and as with any newborn, it takes a village to raise.
