The U.S. Border Patrol has been seizing cannabis shipments, including commercial and state-authorized supplies, in southern New Mexico, causing disruptions for cannabis companies. More than $300,000 worth of marijuana has been confiscated at highway checkpoints in the region. New Mexico’s governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, recently raised concerns with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the heightened scrutiny of cannabis companies in New Mexico compared to other states with regulated markets that are not along the U.S. border with Mexico.
Authorized cannabis sales in New Mexico have exceeded $1 billion since the regulation and taxation of the recreational market began two years ago. Cannabis transport drivers have reported being detained for hours while supplies are seized at Border Patrol checkpoints located about 60 miles from the U.S. border. Despite reassurances from Secretary Mayorkas that federal policies regarding legalized cannabis have not changed, the governor and her administration are working on a strategy to protect New Mexico’s cannabis industry. Managers at 10 cannabis businesses, including transporters, have petitioned New Mexico’s congressional delegation to ensure free passage of shipments to prevent further disruptions.
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich criticized the Department of Homeland Security for focusing on seizing cannabis supplies that comply with state law, rather than addressing urgent priorities like stopping the flow of illicit fentanyl into the country. He emphasized the need for resources to be used to enhance safety in communities, rather than detract from it. The U.S. Border Patrol sector overseeing New Mexico reiterated in a public statement that cannabis is still classified as a “Schedule 1” drug under U.S. federal law, making its sale, possession, production, and distribution illegal in the country.
Managers at cannabis businesses like High Maintenance, based in Socorro, New Mexico, have expressed confusion and uncertainty about the recent seizures by Border Patrol. Matt Kennicott, an owner of High Maintenance, highlighted the importance of consumer-safety testing for cannabis samples, which often require transporting products across checkpoints for testing at labs in other locations. The recent seizures have disrupted the supply chain and raised concerns about compliance with safeguards against contaminants like mold or pesticides, adding to the challenges faced by the cannabis industry in New Mexico.
Overall, the actions of the U.S. Border Patrol in seizing cannabis shipments in New Mexico have added complications and uncertainties for cannabis companies operating in the region. As the industry continues to grow and thrive in a regulated market, concerns have been raised about the disproportionate scrutiny faced by New Mexico compared to other states with legal cannabis markets. The governor and local officials are working to protect the state’s cannabis industry and ensure that businesses can operate smoothly without disruptions at Border Patrol checkpoints. It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and whether changes will be made to alleviate the challenges faced by cannabis providers in the region.
