Growing Forward: Cannabis and New Mexico

This week marks the end of our fourth season of Growing Forward! Time has definitely flown by over the course of the last two-plus years, and we appreciate all the support and listenership during our initial seasons. We'll be back again later this Fall as we kick off Season Five. 

In our final episode of this season, though, we took our show on the Road to the Amador Barr and Grill in Las Cruces. Hosts Andy Lyman (New Mexico Political Report) and Megan Kamerick (KUNM) were joined by a special panel to discuss the rollout of the cannabis industry in not only Las Cruces, but also all of Southern New Mexico. You might be interested to learn how different the approach has been than some other prominent communities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe. 

We can't wait to join you again for a new season, but for the time being a reminder you can listen back to any of our past episodes and seasons, right here where you streamed this episode. Those clicks, likes and listens really help us out a great deal. And, if you like what we're doing, you can also help us out financially on the New Mexico Political Report website, by hitting the "donate now" button. Thanks, and we will talk to you again very soon!

Guests:

Senator Carrie Hamblen (D-District 38)

Las Cruces City Councilor Johana Bencomo

Ben Lewinger, Executive Director, New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce

Episode Music:

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Low Light Switch"

Blue Dot Sessions - "The Dollar Token"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Two in the Back"

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

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"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

In our most recent episode, we explored the challenges Native American Tribes and Pueblos face when trying to get into the cannabis industry in New Mexico. Because the plant is still federally illegal, Sovereign Nations are finding creative ways to get in on the business, including the two intergovernmental agreements Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed with the Pojoaque and Picuris Pueblos. These agreements are different than the compacts that Tribal Governments often engage in for other businesses like casinos. The main difference is that the intergovernmental agreements do not include any revenue sharing with the state. 

Last episode we talked about why Pojoaque Pueblo wanted to get into the business. This time, we turn to Picuris Pueblo, which has already had a series of headaches trying to navigate these tricky waters. Hosts Andy Lyman and Megan Kamerick learn about that history, and the Pueblo's plans now that it is armed with the intergovernmental agreement. 

As usual, Andy also has more reporting on this and other topics over at NM Political Report. Here are just a couple we picked out for you, and remember that while you are there you can always hit the "donate now" button to help support our efforts here on Growing Forward.

Picuris Pueblo pot production uprooted

Bill would protect cannabis patients who live on federal trust land

Amended cannabis on Tribal Lands bill heads to the House

Episode Music:

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Low Light Switch"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Sylvestor"

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

Compacts are a term you may have heard connected to Tribal gaming operations like casinos. They are agreements that Sovereign Nations make with a State government, and often include revenue sharing between the two entities. And now, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced intergovernmental agreements with two Pueblos related to the state's newest industry: cannabis. But, as this episode's title indicates, these agreements are not in fact compacts, but something different. 

Hosts Andy Lyman and Megan Kamerick find out more about those differences, and why these two Tribal Governments are dipping their toes in this new industry, despite cannabis's continued status as being federally illegal. This week, they talk to Pojoaque Pueblo, but be sure to tune in for our next episode, when Picuris Pueblo takes center stage, to discuss the long and winding road that lead them to this current agreement. 

As usual, Andy also has more reporting on this and other topics over at NM Political Report. Here are just a couple we picked out for you, and remember that while you are there you can always hit the "donate now" button to help support our efforts here on Growing Forward.

Bill would protect cannabis patients who live on federal trust land

Amended cannabis on Tribal Lands bill heads to the House

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions ' "Building the Sled"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Pastel de Nata"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

This week's episode hearkens back to a simpler time in Network Television: the good old fashioned crossover episode. Hosts Andy Lyman and Megan Kamerick are joined by the creative team behind the podcast NM CannaCast to talk about the state of the cannabis industry in New Mexico just a little over one year after the passing of the Cannabis Regulation Act. The group talks about taxes, equity, finances and why there is still so much confusion out there about this industry. 

Also in the episode, Host Andy Lyman mentions his recent article for New Mexico Political Report, dealing with the lack of education standards to date, something that was intended in the original Cannabis Regulation Act. Read the article here, and remember that while you are there you can always hit the "donate now" button to help support our efforts here on Growing Forward. 

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions ' "Building the Sled"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Pastel de Nata"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

The focus of this podcast has always been to take a look at recreational use cannabis as a legitimate business and industry. And the financial challenges are many. In our most recent episode (Season 4, Episode 5) we looked at the issues news businesses face securing loans and basic banking services when dealing with a product that is still considered federally illegal. We got a lot of response to that episode, and we want to share what we learned with you in this follow up. And for the most part, the news appears to be good for those trying to break into the industry in New Mexico. Hosts Andy Lyman and Megan Kamerick talk with Shannon Cox, Cannabis Program Executive with Southwest Capital Bank, about their ever-expanding approach to lending to cannabis businesses. We also learn more about risk management and insurance coverage for these businesses with Kenny Byrd, a risk Management Specialist. We even discuss workers compensation issues within this industry and what best practices seem to be when it comes to workplace accidents.  

Also, we end with Andy updating us all on some of his most recent cannabis reporting, which you can find at the following links. We love your feedback and it really does inform us on which direction to pursue next. So, do us a favor and let us know what we missed, or what you'd like to hear more about in an upcoming episode of "Growing Forward."

NM collects $2.4 million in cannabis taxes for first month of sales

Some NM cannabis producers may face higher than expected tax bill

NM expected to pay an estimated $15 million in tax refunds to medical cannabis companies

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Sunsearcher - "Latin Rhythm"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Pastel de Nata"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

Getting into the legal recreational-use cannabis industry creates several unique challenges. Maybe none a bigger hurdle than securing financing. As we have touched on before in this podcast, banking options remain limited because of the federal status of cannabis. But that just scratches the surface of the potential financial stumbling blocks for new businesses. Factor in lawmakers' desire to create opportunities for equity and diversity in the industry, and the challenge is clear. In this episode we explore in depth what banking is like for cannabis businesses and also learn more about a new state lending program designed to help ease the burden.

Guests:

Lonnie Talbert, Former COO, Southwest Capitol Bank

Marquita Russel, CEO, New Mexico Finance Authority

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Building the Sled"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Sylvestor"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

Starting up a new business is a tall order for any entrepreneur. But that challenge is ratcheted up even more in a burgeoning industry and one that is focused on a product still rife with stigma. In this episode of "Growing Forward" we talk to some folks trying to make their way in this new industry, while also elevating diversity and opportunity. 

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Lupi"

Sunsearcher - "Latin Rhythm"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Pastel de Nata"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

Now that legal recreational-use cannabis sales are up and running in New Mexico, the spotlight once again turns to the testing process. Co-host Andy Lyman has done a lot of great reporting on a testing dispute that has already made it into the New Mexico courts system. He and Megan Kamerick break down the debate, and summarize the court proceedings to date. 

Then, the pair check back in with one of the only testing labs in New Mexico to find out if the owner is having any difficulties keeping up with demand, as well as the prospect of new testing labs coming online in the coming months. 

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Roundpine"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Sylvestor"

Broke for Free - "Warm Up Suit"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

The day many had been waiting for finally arrived on Friday, April 1st, 2022. That was the day legal recreational-use cannabis sales started in New Mexico, after the state legislature passed the Cannabis Regulation Act in 2021. According to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's office, business was indeed booming over the inaugural weekend. The state reported 5.2 million dollars in sales through the first weekend. Three and a half million of that was recreational-use with another $1.7 million in medical cannabis sales.  

“New Mexico was ready for this historic opportunity to end prohibition,” said Cannabis Control Division Director Kristen Thomson. “Whether it’s people moving from the illicit market to the safe, regulated legal market or brand-new customers excited to try high-quality New Mexico products for the first time, New Mexicans supported cannabis businesses in record numbers this weekend.”

“In every state that launched adult-use sales before New Mexico, some retailers sold out on opening day,” Thomson said. “In New Mexico, that was simply not the case. Customers and patients across the state were all able to get the products or medicine they wanted and needed. Through careful regulatory planning hand-in-hand with industry, New Mexico cannabis producers have done something that’s never been done before. This weekend’s successful launch is something we can all be proud of.”

In this episode, hosts Andy Lyman (New Mexico Political Report) and Megan Kamerick (KUNM) visited several dispensaries on opening day to find out why this landmark was so important to them and what they think the long-term potential is for the industry.  

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Building the Sled"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Sylvestor"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Pastel de Nata"

Sunsearcher - "Latin Rhythms"

Kevin MacLeod - "Backed Vibes"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

The clock is ticking to the start of legal recreational-use cannabis sales in New Mexico. April 1st at noon is the first time people can buy cannabis without having a medical card. So, how ready is the state for this new industry? We check in with Kristen Thomson, Director of the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division, to find out. Specifically, the Growing Forward team wants to know if there is concern about a shortage of supply, given the aggressive timeline for this rollout. In addition, lawmakers failed to make an adjustment to the Cannabis Regulation Act during the recent regular legislative session.

We also find out the role social media like TikTok and Instagram is having in educating people about the science of cannabis. Riley Kirk is very active on both platforms and also co-hosts a podcast with Dr. Miyabe Shields called Smoke 'n Science. Kirk helps explain some of interesting new research about the possibility that cannabis could ward off COVID-19. But, she also explains the differences between smoking cannabis, and using other types of the plant like vapes, edibles and tinctures. 

More information:

Riley Kirk on TikTok

Riley Kirk on Instagram

Cannabichem on Youtube

Smoke 'n Science Podcast

Smokenol Website

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Podington Bear - "Good Times"

Chad Crouch - "Wilsons Snipe"

Blue Dot Sessions - "low Light Switch"

Kevin MacLeod - "Backed Vibes"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley 

*******

"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.