The TDR Three Key Takeaways regarding New Mexico Marijuana Seizures and Federal-State Conflict:

1. New Mexico’s legalized marijuana clashes with federal actions.
2. Federal seizures disrupt New Mexico’s regulated cannabis market.
3. Federal reform needed to align with state cannabis laws

The recent months in New Mexico have seen the state’s legalized cannabis industry face significant challenges with federal law enforcement. Despite marijuana being legal in New Mexico, federal agencies continue to enforce national laws against cannabis, resulting in numerous seizures. This situation highlights the conflict between state laws that support legalization and unchanged federal regulations that still consider marijuana illegal at the national level.

Anthony Varrell, co-host of the Trade To Black Podcast, provided a detailed overview last night. The video below contains his full explanation.

The ongoing cannabis seizures by federal authorities in New Mexico, especially at checkpoints near the U.S.-Mexico border, are causing frustration for local businesses and consumers. The state legalized cannabis to establish a regulated market that promotes safety, control, and tax revenue. However, these federal actions counteract these objectives, as they fail to differentiate between illegal activities and state-regulated cannabis operations.

Reports from various sources indicate that these seizures are part of a deliberate enforcement strategy by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other federal agencies. This has resulted in significant losses for legitimate businesses that comply with state laws but conflict with federal policies. The consequences are widespread, impacting the economic viability of these businesses and the state’s ability to generate expected revenues from this new industry.

Moreover, the continuation of these New Mexico marijuana seizures poses significant legal and political challenges. It emphasizes the need for clearer national policy that aligns state marijuana legalization with federal laws. The current situation creates a confusing environment for businesses and law enforcement, where adherence to one set of laws leads to violations of another.

This ongoing issue in New Mexico acts as a vital case study for other states and federal policymakers. It highlights the critical need for comprehensive federal legislation that resolves the discrepancies between state and federal marijuana laws. Without such changes, the conflict of legal standards is expected to continue, causing further disruption and uncertainty for states that have legalized and regulated cannabis. Want to keep up to date with all of TDR’s research and news, subscribe to our daily Baked In newsletter.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – CJ Noland, a 6 foot 4 inch guard from North Texas University, is transferring to New Mexico. Noland averaged 10.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and shot 38.4% from beyond-the-arc last season in the American Athletic Conference.  

Go Lobos 😁🐺 #Committed pic.twitter.com/oLSzWNdmmV

— DeuceDeuce (@CjNoland1) April 21, 2024

He adds more length on the perimeter for the Lobos and another guard to work with to replace the big shoes of Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr.  

“We are excited about the addition of CJ to our basketball program,” said head coach Richard Pitino in a press release from UNM. “He has the size and skill at the guard spot that we were looking for. He is tough, versatile, competitive and a winner. CJ will be a valuable addition to our team from day one.”  

Noland was a four-star recruit coming out of Waxahachie High School, a school outside of the Dallas, Texas area. He played for Oklahoma University his first two years of college before transferring to North Texas University, and now New Mexico.

April 22, 2024 by cibolanfng

Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – April 22, 2024 – Pending favorable conditions, fire managers on the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) may implement the previously announced Sawyer prescribed fire (RX) on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District as early as Tues. April 23, 2024. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding area of Ramah, Gallup, Thoreau, Bluewater, Grants and Millan.

Fire crews plan to burn approximately 706 acres on Sawyer located 3 miles west of Post Office Flats on Forest Road (FR) 480 in the Zuni Mountains. See map attached.

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Ignition will depend upon agency administrator approval and conditions within the ranges outlined in the prescribed fire plan. Desired conditions will result in effective smoke ventilation and dispersal and help achieve the effects needed to accomplish the burn plan objectives. 

The Cibola NF & NGs manages all prescribed fires in compliance with New Mexico state air quality and smoke management regulations. Smoke may settle into drainages and lower elevations at night but is expected to dissipate as daytime temperatures increase. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the www.airnow.gov/

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires are intended to reduce hazardous fuels accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Additionally, fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds. Prescribed burns are designed to meet specific objectives and are always managed with firefighter and public safety as the priority.

Implementation announcements and updates on prescribed fire projects will be posted on InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information and on the Cibola NF & NGs website, Cibola Facebook and Cibola Twitter sites.

For more information on the Sawyer prescribed fire, contact the Mt. Taylor Ranger District Office at 505-287-8833 or Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900

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