New Mexico was the first state to enacted a medical marijuana law in 1978, when a man named Lynn Pierson, who was a cancer patient, lobbied New Mexico’s state legislature for legal access to cannabis. The bill originally passed in 1978, but was blocked by the federal government. In 2007, New Mexico once again legalized medical marijuana, calling the legislation “The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act”, which recognized both Pierson and another young cancer patient who advocated for the passage of New Mexico’s medical marijuana law. Recreational marijuana is still illegal in New Mexico, and lawmakers are planning on bringing a bill for legalization during the 2021 legislative session. In the meantime, it is important for medical marijuana businesses to abide by the rules and regulations for cannabis labeling and packaging.

Packaging

Packaging shall not display any content that reasonably appears to target minors, including but not limited to, cartoon characters or similar images. A product name or package shall not be modeled after a brand or product that is traditionally marketed toward children.

Labeling

A label shall be securely affixed to all usable cannabis product packages prior to sale or distribution, and must be conspicuous and unobstructed. The used font must be clearly legible, not italicized, and printed no smaller than 1/16th of an inch. The cannabinoid content specified on a cannabis derived product label shall be accurately labeled with the content percentage.

Labels shall identify and include the names of entities that produced and manufactured the product, strain of cannabis, manufacture date, expiration date, and total THC and CBD per package.

Failure to comply with packaging or labeling requirements will result in suspension of sales and distribution.

*For a more detailed explanation of the rules and regulations regarding packaging and labeling, download our packaging and labeling guide available below. If you have more questions regarding packaging and labeling, visit New Mexico Department of Health online at https://www.nmhealth.org/about/mcp/svcs/info/. You can also send an email to medical.cannabis@state.nm.us or call 505-827-232.

*THC Label Solutions provides this document to serve as a guide and not as legal advice.