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HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS RELEASE
Today, the House of Representatives voted 54-7 to advance House Bill 346, which would improve regulation of the sale of hemp products, including synthetic cannabinoids like “Delta-8,” in the state of New Mexico.
While the cannabis industry is already well regulated in the state, House Bill 345 closes a loophole that leaves similar cannabinoid and hemp-derived products without proper oversight and consumer safety regulations. This bill would task the The Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) with establishing rules for the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of these products, and authorize the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to regulate in-state and out-of-state hemp products to ensure they meet established standards.
“We worked hard to develop thoughtful safety regulations around our recreational cannabis industry. This legislation makes sure consumers, namely children, are not confused by unregulated, psychoactive hemp products disguised as cannabis products,” said the bill’s lead sponsor Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe).
The bill would prohibit the manufacturing, sale, or use of synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THC-O acetate, which have been found to contain harmful chemicals and pose greater health risks than cannabis. New regulations would exclude hemp seed and hemp seed-derived food products.
HB 346 will now move to the Senate. The legislation is also sponsored by Rep. Derrick Lente (Sandia Pueblo).
Earlier this session, the House also passed House Bill 10, which would enhance regulation of New Mexico’s recreational cannabis industry. This legislation would establish an Enforcement Bureau within the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) at the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) to investigate potential criminal violations of New Mexico’s cannabis laws.
Under this legislation, CCD agents would be able to undertake lawful searches of cannabis facilities, confiscate suspicious products, pursue legal orders to destroy illegal products, and arrest those found to be in violation of state cannabis laws.
Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
“]] HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS RELEASE Today, the House of Representatives voted 54-7 to advance House Bill 346, which would improve regulation of the sale of hemp products, including synthetic cannabinoids … Read More
