New Mexico lawmakers on Wednesday discussed the prospect of giving "police power" to the state Cannabis Control Division, which issues permits for the state-legal industry, to ramp up enforcement against the still-thriving illicit market. The proposal comes amid concern from many retailers and growers who have sounded the alarm about black market products and a high volume of state-licensed dispensaries. "It's a big problem.
The underground market is very prevalent in New Mexico," said Sen. Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque, during a meeting of the interim Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee. Maestas said lawmakers are planning to introduce a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would create a "law enforcement arm" within the cannabis oversight agency of the state Regulation and Licensing Department.
Under such legislation, the agency would have certified law enforcement officers of its own with the ability to seize illegal weed and make arrests. "We need a special law enforcement arm in New Mexico to eliminate the underground market," Maestas said. Currently, the Cannabis Control Division does not have any authority to conduct criminal investigations or bring criminal charges but does have administrative enforcement powers over licenses.
Law enforcement agencies are responsible for bringing criminal charges. "Everyone is doing the best they can, so I don't necessarily want to get into it. But for whatever reason, local law enforcement is not devoting the time and res.
