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“It’s important for two reasons: number one – we want to make sure we nurture this whole new industry which we hope and expect will create thousands of jobs statewide – but number two we want to also make sure that we have undermined the illicit market, ”said representative Martinez
Rival House Bill 17 was introduced after lawmakers spent hours debating the two bills.
“We need to streamline and move one of them forward and I hope they will be able to get the best out of both and everyone will be a co-sponsor,” said Representative Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson.
Republican Representative Luis Terrazas pointed to a recent study that showed the number of road fatalities increased in Colorado after marijuana was legalized.
“One of the articles I read was that road deaths were up 75 per year there,” Representative Terrazas said at the committee hearing.
However, the study cited by Rep. Terrazas also showed that this was not the case in Washington state after legalization – and that road fatalities have remained relatively stable.
“I think the data from the [New Mexico] task force in 2019 was that the increase in DWI around cannabis use increased somewhat immediately after legalization and then was negligible, ”said Ben Lewinger of the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.
Lawmakers agreed to pass the House bill, 12 which now goes to its next committee – the House Tax and Revenue Committee.
“I think getting this to the next committee is a challenge, but time is running out and I think this process is the time when we can do it – that’s what we’re supposed to do to produce the best product,” said Rep. Roger Montoya.
However, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the passage.
“One of the main concerns with these bills is that they tie the hands of law enforcement.” said representative Luis Terrazas. “I am concerned that with so many other issues surrounding legalization, we risk defeating this bill and harming our state in the process. Although I do not agree with this bill, the bill we have heard today is premature and not ready to become law.
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