New Mexico

What’s generating complaints in New Mexico’s cannabis industry?

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2022

What’s generating complaints in New Mexico’s cannabis industry?

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – As one of many state’s latest industries, you would possibly count on that hashish companies and the regulators surrounding them are sure to hit a tough patch or two as issues roll out. Multiple hundred retailers have now opened retailers statewide, and in the meantime, the state’s regulating physique continues to be navigating the comparatively new state regulation.

With that in thoughts, KRQE Information 13 sought to seek out out if anybody is complaining in regards to the trade. And if they’re, what’s it that they’re complaining about? A latest public data request sheds gentle on a few of these complaints, a few of that are directed at hashish companies, not regulators.

Because the state’s sole issuer of hashish enterprise licenses and the important thing regulatory physique for the trade, the Hashish Management Division (CCD) has been on the middle of many hashish discussions. And regardless of some criticism by would-be hashish retailers in regards to the licensing course of, the division has apparently solely acquired a handful of official complaints during the last 12 months.

The CCD was created in April 2021, with the legalization of leisure hashish in New Mexico. It was arrange as a brand new department inside the state’s Regulation and Licensing Division, which oversees every thing from alcohol gross sales to building.

Tasked with trade rulemaking, issuing gross sales and manufacturing licenses, and dealing to “promote and encourage full participation within the hashish trade,” the CCD has had its fingers full for the final 12 months. KRQE Information 13 beforehand reported that restricted sources and staffing have meant that some individuals making use of to work within the trade had been in prolonged durations of limbo. Others have stated they’ve had an excellent expertise working with the CCD.

After contacting dozens of license candidates, KRQE Information 13 heard from candidates each complaining in regards to the CCD and praising it. However regardless of the entire casual complaints, the CCD has solely acquired round two dozen formal complaints because it was created.

To search out out what persons are complaining about, KRQE Information 13 submitted a public data request for each grievance the CCD has acquired from its begin, up via April 18, 2022. Right here’s what we discovered.

Allegations of improper gross sales

A number of the formal complaints boil all the way down to allegations in opposition to hashish license holders — dispensaries, producers, and many others. These complaints allege that some retailers aren’t following the state’s hashish legal guidelines and guidelines.

For instance, one grievance alleges that somebody was manufacturing cannabis-infused Rice Krispies and promoting them with no license. One other complainant says that a few of the merchandise in a single hashish store “don’t even look legit.”

In one other grievance, somebody alleged that there was no labeling on pre-rolled joints being offered at a dispensary. The CCD adopted up in six days and the retailer is now in compliance, data present.

Clients say they’re being charged hashish tax on medical merchandise

A number of the formal complaints allege that sure hashish retailers are charging medical sufferers tax on their purchases. State regulation says that shouldn’t be occurring.

In line with the Hashish Regulation Act, any medical hashish merchandise offered to a professional affected person is exempt from the state’s hashish excise tax. As of April 2022, greater than 134,000 persons are enrolled as medical hashish sufferers, in line with the state’s Division of Well being.

To make sure that these sufferers have entry to hashish, the state additionally requires that hashish retailers reserve a portion of their stock for medical use. Retailers are required to “make affordable efforts” to promote 25% of their month-to-month gross sales to medical sufferers.

Break-ins at retail retailers

A number of of the formal complaints are experiences of burglaries at hashish retailers. One grievance alleges that criminals minimize energy to 1 hashish store, broke in, and stole a whole bunch of merchandise earlier than police arrived.

Earlier than hashish was legalized in New Mexico, some individuals predicted an increase in crime from the brand new trade. KRQE Information 13 explored the difficulty partially by chatting with now-former Douglas County, Colorado District Lawyer George Brauchler. And the Albuquerque Police Division (APD) has stated they’re conscious hashish shops could possibly be targets for theft.

“We will’t predict with certainty whether or not companies can be focused for theft, however we’re cognizant that they could possibly be targets,” Rebecca Atkins, an APD spokeswoman, beforehand advised KRQE Information 13. “Chief Medina has additionally heard from police in different jurisdictions who warn in regards to the potential for elevated violence associated to money transactions and robberies.”

The CCD requires hashish retailers to have safety measures to verify hashish doesn’t fall into the mistaken fingers. All retailers are required to have an alarm system and digital video surveillance, amongst different necessities.

Concern for youths

A couple of of the formal complaints allege that hashish merchandise have fallen into the fingers of individuals below the age of 18.

One grievance by a guardian states that they discovered a container of edibles whereas cleansing their 16-year-old’s room. One other grievance by a guardian alleges {that a} 13-year-old had hashish.

As of Could 18, the CCD was nonetheless trying into a few of these points. For instance, the CCD contacted the guardian of the 13-year-old, however was ready for extra data from the guardian to determine find out how to deal with the grievance.

Unlawful crops

One grievance alleges that a person has 200 crops with out the correct license from CCD. As per state regulation, people with out licenses from the CCD can develop as much as six mature crops.

Data present that the CCD tried twice to contact the one that made the grievance. They had been unable to contact them, so that they weren’t capable of examine additional.

How CCD handles complaints

The CCD takes complaints on their web site. After receiving a grievance, it’s reviewed to verify it addresses a subject the CCD has regulatory authority for, in line with Bernice Geiger, the general public data officer and advertising director for the Regulation and Licensing Division.

“CCD takes complaints significantly,” Geiger advised KRQE Information 13 in an electronic mail. “You will need to perceive that the Division solely has authority over companies licensed by the division.”

So, if the grievance is concerning a licensee or one thing else inside the CCD’s scope, it will get investigated. And if it’s a legitimate grievance in opposition to a hashish retailer or different license holder, they’re given a discover and 5 days to let the CCD know the way they’re going to repair the issue. Lastly, the CCD will observe up with the licensee to verify they observe via, in line with Geiger.

However there are some complaints the CCD can’t sort out.

“We aren’t a regulation enforcement company and wouldn’t have enforcement authority over felony actions of the illicit market,” Geiger says. “Likewise, the CCD doesn’t have jurisdiction or authority regarding points similar to odors coming from hashish manufacturing or processing amenities, native code violations, complaints in opposition to private cultivation and consumption, and many others.”

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New Mexico

Los Poblanos hotel receives 2 Michelin keys

Published

4 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

Los Poblanos hotel receives 2 Michelin keys

While many New Mexicans already know about Los Poblanos, the 25-acre inn with gardens, fields and farming is finally giving New Mexico some national recognition.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – While many New Mexicans already know about Los Poblanos, the 25-acre inn with gardens, fields and farming is finally giving New Mexico some national recognition.

“They spent the last four years compiling information on the best hotels in the United States and came up with a new concept on Michelin keys,” said Matthew Rembe, an executive director of Los Poblanos.

Los Poblanos was just named a Michelin two key hotel. It’s a recognition that Rembe never expected.

“We are a unique experience, and we were happy that New Mexico was recognized. Sometimes New Mexico is overlooked in things like this. We are happy for New Mexico, and we were certainly humbled, so it is exciting,” said Rembe.

Each place is judged on five categories: Architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall character, value for the price and guest experience.

“New Mexico has the oldest architecture in the United States and Los Poblanos has a couple of different examples of important architecture, kind of agricultural old dairy buildings. The other is territory revival by John Gaw Meem and that is what sets up apart from other states, that New Mexican-style of architecture,” Rembe said.

This is only the second time the Michelin guide has announced Michelin key hotels.

Rembe hopes it gives people the opportunity to visit the Land of Enchantment and see everything that New Mexico has to offer.

“They can disconnect from their phones and technology and just kind of chill and relax and take in New Mexican culture. It always brings people back, I think New Mexico always exceeds their expectations because they have certain ideas on what the experience is going to be like,” said Rembe.

Los Poblanos got two keys, but there was another inn that got one key in New Mexico. That’s the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe.

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New Mexico

Student podcast focuses on gun violence in Albuquerque

Published

12 hours ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

Student podcast focuses on gun violence in Albuquerque

We’ve seen school threats cause lockdowns at campuses surrounded by police, and a handful of students are facing charges. That includes three metro teens accused of bringing guns on campus.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – We’ve seen school threats cause lockdowns at campuses surrounded by police, and a handful of students are facing charges. That includes three metro teens accused of bringing guns on campus.

Now, a group of teens is more than ready to have very grown-up conversations.

“It’s a really amazing way to help us spread awareness on how many youths and how many of us have been killed throughout our state and everywhere around the world,” said Briana Salazar, a college freshman.

Kaery Camacho and Salazar are just two of about 20 New Mexico students launching a new podcast series called “Aimed At Us.”

“Having experienced it, you always now have in mind in the back of your head, what if it will happen again?” said Salazar.

Before Salazar started college, she had already experienced a school shooting.

“There was two male students, and they had a confrontation with each other, and one of the male students pulled out his gun and unfortunately killed the other student, and it was right in front of our school,” Salazar said.

Camacho argues even if students haven’t gone through a shooting, many of them live with that potential fear.

“You’re not even safe at your school anymore,” Camacho said.

They both believe this podcast will give them and other students the chance to finally share their thoughts, worries, and ideas on what has become a continuous problem in New Mexico.

“They don’t want to listen to us, you know, like we’re the ones who are getting affected the most. We should be able to speak our truths,” said Camacho.

They plan on tackling all angles of the teen gun violence epidemic, speaking to people connected to both sides of the trigger.

“We are interviewing people who have been affected with gun violence, or people who have done gun violence, and see how that changed their lives and affected it, and how they’re doing better in their lives,” Camacho said.

New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence is backing the effort and paying the students on the podcast.

“They’re deciding who they want to interview. So it’s not us. We’re just kind of helping in the background,” said Miranda Viscoli, co-president of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence.

Viscoli says she hopes the podcast provides an outlet for New Mexico students who are on the frontlines of this state and national debate.

“Hear what these youth are going through, what these youth want to see changed, because they have real ideas. They have good ideas. and they’re extremely intelligent,” said Viscoli.

The podcast is supposed to launch in November. if you are a student who would like to be part of it, or know of one, just fill out the contact form on the New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence website.

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