New Mexico Cannabis Control Division Issues Notice of Contemplated Action Against PurLife

Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) of the Regulation and Licensing Department has issued a Notice of Contemplated Action against PurLife, citing multiple violations of state cannabis regulations. This action, under Case No. 2024-004, may lead to significant disciplinary measures, including the suspension or revocation of PurLife's license (CCD-VICE-2021-0002), as well as fines.

Alleged Violations:

1. Unauthorized Consumption of Cannabis (16.8.2.8(D) NMAC):

• The CCD alleges that PurLife employees were consuming cannabis on-site at the Santa Fe retail location, which is not licensed for consumption.

2. Improperly Giving Away Cannabis (16.8.2.40(J)(1) NMAC):

• A sign at PurLife’s Santa Fe location stated that "first time customers will receive free weed," a practice not allowed except under very specific circumstances for medical patients. Additionally, PurLife was charging $0.01 for the product, which contradicts the advertisement of free cannabis.

3. Prohibited Practices (16.8.3.8(B)(2) NMAC):

• The same sign at PurLife’s Santa Fe location was deemed misleading. Advertising free cannabis, then charging $0.01, is considered deceptive.

4. Improper Track and Trace Recordkeeping (16.8.7.9(A) NMAC):

• At PurLife’s Hobbs location, many cannabis products lacked the required track and trace labeling, violating state regulations for inventory tracking.

Evidence Against PurLife:

The CCD has compiled evidence to support these allegations, including:

• Testimonies from CCD staff present on-site.

• Compliance documents generated during inspections.

• Photographs taken during the inspections.

Next Steps for PurLife:

PurLife has twenty days from the service of this notice to request a formal hearing to contest the allegations. Failure to request a hearing will result in the CCD taking disciplinary action by default, which may include license revocation, suspension, fines, or other penalties. If no hearing is requested, the disciplinary action will be final and not subject to judicial review.

PurLife may also request a settlement conference to negotiate a potential compromise on the penalties.