New rules now in effect for New Mexico marijuana industry

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State officials say new rules governing the manufacture, sale and transport of recreational marijuana in New Mexico are now in effect.

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Cannabis Control Division made the announcement Tuesday.

Officials say the rules allow the division to continue streamlining the process for cannabis businesses to get licensed as the state moves toward recreational sales over the coming months.

Under legislation passed earlier this year, the rules needed to be in place by Jan. 1.

Sales are expected to start by April 1.

Officials say more than 300 applications for licenses across all industry sectors have been submitted so far.