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Happy early 4/20, for those who celebrate!
Just like Black Friday, Festivus and Leap Day, April 20 really owns its roots and lack of historical or cultural significance, although one could argue pot smoking is indeed a culture.
April 20 started as a goof of sorts, among some California teens in the 70s, but has since grown to become the day with the most sales for dispensaries and when you’ll probably find the most stoners at your local park. Legend has it that the day’s origins are rooted in northern California where a groups of kids, who called themselves the “Waldos” started meeting around a Louis Pasteur statue to get high after school, which happened to be around 4:20 pm. Eventually, according to lore, some members of the Grateful Dead picked it up and from there it spread like wildfire and eventually 420 bumper stickers became just as recognizable as Jesus fish decals.
Read on to learn about a few 420 events this year. But first, the news.
-- If you don’t know about 30 Rock, what are you even doing with your life?
The day after I sent out last month’s newsletter, I got a hot tip that the state’s Cannabis Control Division said good-bye to its third director since the agency’s inception in 2021.
Andrew Vallejos, who also ran the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, took over as head of cannabis in August 2022. Regulation and Licensing Department Superintendent Linda Trujillo tells me she’s running the division until the department can find a new division director, which she says should be very soon.
State Cannabis Chief Quits : New Mexico says goodbye to the third Cannabis Control Division director since its inception
April showers bring bud flowers
It’s been legal to grow your own at home for a couple of years now, but I bet there are still plenty of folks out there who are curious about it, but don’t know where to start. That’s why I went over to Urban Rebel Farms for this month’s Leaf Brief Podcast, you know, the louder cousin of this newsletter.
The guys over at Urban Rebel gave me the rundown on when to plant, how to water and whether indoor or outdoor is the way to go. Spoiler alert: It all depends.
Give it a listen and as the saying goes in the world of podcasts, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button.
Leaf Brief Podcast: Episode 4 : Planting Preparation
Grow me the money
If you haven’t heard, cannabis is generating some cash for the state.
State regulators announced record sales for March, which put the state’s taxable grand total over the $300 million mark. I should, however, point out that medical-use cannabis sales have stayed pretty flat since adult-use sales started last year.
ISO smokin’ judges
For the first time ever, High Times is expanding its Cannabis Cup competition to New Mexico and the best news is everyone has a chance to judge. Anyone interested can head over to Pecos Valley Production (there will purportedly be some other spots too) starting on June 17 to pick up a judge kit.
Friends in high places
Sophie Peel at SFR’s sister paper, Willamette Week has put in some serious work to uncover financial connections between an Oregon couple who own a series of cannabis companies and local politicians. According to Peel’s reporting, the couple has shelled out cash to politicians and for political functions, but have a history of not keeping their own finances in check. One of the couple’s companies, La Mota, has now expanded to New Mexico. According to Cannabis Control Division records, the division approved a handful of licenses for La Mota, but none in Santa Fe.
Bummer up north
If you occasionally find yourself grumbling about New Mexico’s cannabis law shortcomings, just remember at least we’re not in Quebec. The province that gave the world Celine Dion and Molson beer apparently doesn’t want people growing their own herb at home. Last week the Canadian Supreme Court backed the decision, adding the prohibition of home-grown grass is meant to “ensure the effectiveness of the state monopoly on the sale of cannabis in order to protect the health and security of the public.”
Minnesota fair
In case you haven’t been watching, Minnesota might be on the verge of legalizing weed, but according to SFR newsroom alum Joey Peters, there’s some heartburn over how lawmakers plan to create an even playing field for would-be licensees. Just about every state that has legalized has had to grapple with this issue. New York, for example, faces a lawsuit over how regulators prioritized applications.
Grab yer pistol
Considering the fact that having a little weed in your pocket could land you in big trouble out in Texas, it’s interesting that a federal judge there made a significant blow to the federal law that prohibits pot users from possessing firearms. To be clear: The judge didn’t strike down the law, but he did rule it unconstitutional. How about just making cannabis legal in Texas now?
Word on the street
You’ve got at least a few options this year to celebrate 4/20.
A free concert sponsored by Best Daze takes place over at Tumbleroot distillery and brewery, but things don’t kick off until 7:30 pm.
If a night time concert encroaches too much on bedtime, there’s a 420 Fest happening in Madrid and hosted by Mad Reefer.
If you really want to go hard, don’t mind driving a ways and have money burning a hole in your pocket, Ice Cube, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, DJ Quik, Warren G, and Tha Luniz will be performing at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Fair warning though, the show looks like it’s about to sell out and the tickets are hella expensive. So, having five on it won’t make a dent.
Of course, just about every dispensary in the state will have deals, so check your local listings.
I’ll be out and about on Thursday to scope the scene. I’ll do my best to share what I see on the ol’ bird app.
Tell me what you’re up to @anjreu or reply to this message.
Enjoy the holiday and be safe!
