On the first day of New Mexico’s legalization of recreational marijuana, a large contingent of Texans was in attendance.
Two dispensaries in Sunland Park, a small New Mexico hamlet about a 10-minute drive from downtown El Paso, Texas, had large queues that remained consistent. There were as many white Texas plates as turquoise New Mexico plates in the businesses’ parking lots.
Many people in El Paso, including myself, are eagerly awaiting the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Mexico and the opening of dispensaries in Sunland, where we live, according to Maximilian, a young man who just left Ultra Health, a dispensary on McNutt Drive (NM 273), with several bags of marijuana.
Those working inside, like Blasa Zapata, barely had time to catch their breath.
Things are going well.” She remarked, “We’ve become used to the commotion. Early in the morning.
The personnel at the shop did their utmost to explain the various strains and “flavors” on offer and rapidly move the next customer in line. In the background, the sound of classic rock was heard.
As of Friday, the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division had granted 116 retail licenses and 123 producer and manufacturing licenses to the industry.
Marijuana cannot be sold or given to anybody under the age of 21 without a license. Smoking is only permitted in specified smoking locations or in private residences. In the neighboring state of Texas, recreational sales are outlawed, and bringing any amount back into Texas is a criminal offense.
No Texas trooper could be found on the state line Friday at noon.
Another visitor to the state, Jason Blue, speculated, “I’m sure most of the individuals that are going to be here are from El Paso.
He said the dispensary selection was “still a bit small,” but there was space for growth. “It appears that there is enough material for us to enjoy ourselves. “I’m ecstatic,” he exclaimed.
According to Maximilian, a New Mexico resident who declined to disclose his last name, he was already aware of the state’s marijuana industry because he had a medical marijuana card.
Every two or three months, he added, he goes back to New Mexico to visit family and friends. “New Mexico’s cannabis business is barely getting started. “With time, they’ll have more options.”
Sunland Park officials previously told the Border Report that the city expects recreational marijuana sales to bring in $7 million a year.
As a result of the influx of Texans, residents who aren’t directly involved in this profession say they’re also reaping the benefits.
When Raymundo Gregory, owner of the health and nutrition store Nutrition Station, sees a spike in foot traffic to his store next door, he knows it will have an influence on the neighborhood.
“This morning, we had about 50 customers. That’s almost double what we usually have, which is around 30 people.
