Social Equity
In New Mexico, we do not place caps on the number of cannabis licenses issued nor is there a lottery system. Instead, the Cannabis Control Division promotes participation in the cannabis industry by all people by offering a variety of license types with plant fees as low as $2.50 per mature plant for those growing only for qualified medical patients, and $5.00 per mature plant for those growing for adult-use. The division especially encourages those in underserved communities disproportionately harmed by enforcement of cannabis prohibition and agricultural producers from historically rural and economically disadvantaged communities, including tribal and acequia to participate in these economic opportunities.
Additionally, the division offers microbusiness licenses that can be issued as an individual cannabis producer microbusiness license or an integrated cannabis microbusiness with multiple functions at a discounted rate depending on plant count and number of business functions. This model allows entrepreneurial opportunities for those looking to enter the business on a smaller scale.