New Mexico moves closer to legalizing marijuana

Governor opposed to proposal, spokesperson says

UPDATED 10:23 PM MST Jan 17, 2014


SANTA FE, N.M. —Marijuana could become legal in New Mexico if one state senator has his way.

State Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, a Democrat from Bernalillo County, is proposing a resolution that would let New Mexico voters decide if the state should amend Article 20 of the state’s constitution to legalize marijuana.

“This is something as we do with tobacco and alcohol," said Ortiz y Pino. "We don't necessarily encourage (it), but if you do (use marijuana), here is the way to do it responsibility."

The resolution would allow people over the age of 21 to purchase marijuana legally. The Legislature, however, would be tasked to figure out how much someone could buy, how they could transport it and what the taxes would be.

A spokesman for New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez said in a statement that the governor is opposed to proposed resolution.

“The Governor opposes this effort and believes it's much more appropriate to consider it as a regular bill, as this would provide the flexibility to deal with the many complications and unforeseen consequences of implementing such a broad change in public policy," the spokesman said.

"It's disappointing that a politician is so driven by partisan politics that he would seek to amend the state's constitution to legalize drugs for the stated purpose of trying to increase liberal turnout in an election. “

Ortiz y Pino said the resolution could help the state’s economy by bringing in more tax revenue and helping create new industries for the state.

"If we legalize we may have a real economic boom just from the reactivation of the hemp industry," said Ortiz y Pino.

If the resolution moves through the Legislature, voters could decide on the matter as soon as the November election. Then it would go back to the Legislature to determine the details of the amendment and could be finalized sometime in 2015.

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