Election 2018 Results: Marijuana Legalization Poised to Move Forward in New Mexico

The outcome of today’s election puts New Mexico in position to advance marijuana legalization through the state legislature. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who won the governor’s race, has been an ardent supporter of the state’s medical cannabis program, from helping implement the program while she was Secretary of Health to supporting congressional legislation to allow veterans access to medical cannabis. She also supports the legalization of marijuana.  

In addition to Grisham’s win, we anticipate several new candidates being elected to State Legislative House of Representatives who have publicly stated their support for legalization of marijuana. Additionally, like Grisham, these incoming Representatives also show great promise when it comes to passing reforms to reduce drug overdose deaths and implementing sensible criminal justice reform that includes treatment instead of incarceration for people struggling with problematic drug use.  

Below is a statement from Emily Kaltenbach, New Mexico state director at Drug Policy Alliance:

“Marijuana legalization has a good chance of becoming a reality in New Mexico in the coming years with our new governor and a more supportive legislature. Michelle Lujan Grisham will move drug policy reform forward in New Mexico – reform that has been stalled for the last eight years during the Martinez administration. 

“Lujan Grisham understands that drug laws and policies should be grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. She has a solid plan to address our state’s decades-long opioid overdose crisis.  And, she is supporting the legalization of marijuana for the right reasons – to better restrict minors’ access to marijuana, protect accessibility for those with medicinal needs, and reinvest in communities most harmed by prohibition.”