New Mexico Marijuana License
New Mexico allows adult-use and medical cannabis. The Cannabis Control Division licenses producers, manufacturers, retailers, microbusinesses and more, with no statewide cap and relatively low fees.
Overview
New Mexico legalized medical cannabis in 2007 and adult-use cannabis in 2021 (Cannabis Regulation Act), with sales beginning in April 2022. The Cannabis Control Division (CCD), part of the Regulation and Licensing Department, licenses businesses.
New Mexico has no statewide cap on licenses and accepts applications on a rolling basis, making it one of the more accessible markets for small businesses. Fees are annual and paid with each application or renewal; producers also pay per-plant fees.
License Types
- Cannabis Producer and Producer Microbusiness
- Manufacturer
- Retailer
- Courier
- Testing Laboratory and Research Laboratory
- Consumption Area
- Integrated Cannabis Microbusiness
- Vertically Integrated Establishment
Key Requirements
- Background checks for controlling persons
- Local zoning approval (localities can regulate time, place and manner but can't ban businesses)
- Water rights documentation for producers
- Security, inventory tracking and plant-count compliance
Fees
- Annual license fees: Producer, Manufacturer, Retailer, Testing Lab, Consumption Area or Integrated Microbusiness $2,500; Producer Microbusiness $1,000; Courier $250; Vertically Integrated $7,500
- Additional premises: $1,000 each ($100 for couriers)
- Plant fees: $5 per mature commercial plant; $2.50 per medical-only plant (microbusinesses exempt)
- Medical-only licenses: half price; vertically integrated total capped at $125,000
Application Process
- Choose a license type and confirm local zoning.
- Gather water rights (for producers), site and ownership documents.
- Apply online with the CCD and pay the annual fee.
- Pass inspection and receive your license.
- Renew annually.
Regulations
- Adults 21+ may possess up to 2 ounces and grow up to 6 plants (12 per household)
- No statewide cap on licenses, but plant limits apply
- Local governments can't prohibit cannabis businesses outright
Medical Marijuana Card
Who qualifies
- New Mexico resident with a qualifying condition, including PTSD, chronic pain, cancer, seizures, opioid use disorder and others on the state list
- Certification from a New Mexico healthcare practitioner
How to apply
- Get a certification from a practitioner.
- Apply online with the Department of Health Medical Cannabis Program.
- Buy at any licensed retailer; patients are exempt from cannabis excise tax.
More guides for this state
Licensing professionals in this state
View all →Are you a cannabis attorney or licensing consultant serving this state? Featured placement here is available.
Feature your firm →Featured listings may be paid placements. MarijuanaLicense.com doesn't endorse any professional.
Get matched with a licensing pro in your state
Tell us what you're planning. We'll connect you with up to three cannabis attorneys or licensing consultants who work in this state.
MarijuanaLicense.com may receive a referral fee from professionals we connect you with. This never affects the cost to you. We're an independent resource, not a government agency.
MarijuanaLicense.com is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with any state agency. This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Fees, rules and application windows change; confirm with the official regulator before applying.
Written and maintained by the MarijuanaLicense.com Editorial Team. Learn how we research and verify our guides, or report a correction.
