HOUSE BILL 418

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Christine Trujillo and Tara L. Lujan and Joanne J. Ferrary

and Debra M. Sariñana and Tara Jaramillo

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO CANNABIS; AMENDING AND ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE CANNABIS REGULATION ACT; CRIMINALIZING THE UNLAWFUL SYNTHESIS OF TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL; REQUIRING THE CANNABIS CONTROL DIVISION OF THE REGULATION AND LICENSING DEPARTMENT TO ADDRESS HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CANNABIS CONSUMPTION THROUGH TRAINING AND AWARENESS INITIATIVES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 26-2C-31 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2021 (1st S.S.), Chapter 4, Section 31) is amended to read:

     "26-2C-31. UNLICENSED MANUFACTURING OF CANNABIS EXTRACT--UNLAWFUL SYNTHESIS OF TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL--PENALTY.--

          A. It is unlawful for a person to manufacture cannabis extract without a license issued pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation Act unless the person produces and manufactures cannabis extract from homegrown cannabis using nonvolatile solvents, alcohol or carbon dioxide or no solvents. The use of any other solvent or process is expressly prohibited unless it is approved by the division.

          B. It is unlawful to synthesize any tetrahydrocannabinol without prior approval from the division and sufficient scientific evidence showing that synthesized tetrahydrocannabinol will not cause a significant threat to public health and safety.

          C. A person who violates this section is guilty of a fourth degree felony and shall be sentenced pursuant to the provisions of Section 31-18-15 NMSA 1978."

     SECTION 2. A new section of the Cannabis Regulation Act is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] EDUCATION AND AWARENESS--HEALTH RISKS AND THE USE OF CANNABIS.--

          A. No later than July 1, 2025, cannabis retailers shall post a sign, provided by the division, at each point of sale and in a location easily visible to employees that states the following: "There may be long-term adverse health effects from consumption of cannabis, including additional risks for people who may become pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.".

          B. No later than July 1, 2024, the division shall develop a mandatory training program for employees of cannabis retailers regarding the possible long-term adverse health effects from consuming cannabis and additional risks for people who may become pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

          C. No later than July 1, 2025, the division shall require employees of cannabis retailers to complete the training program described in Subsection B of this section."

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