Petition to the New Mexico Congressional Delegation

Subject: Urgent Call for Policy Reform to Protect Legal Cannabis Operations in New Mexico

Dear Honorable Members of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation,

We, the undersigned, are constituents and stakeholders in the legal cannabis industry of New Mexico. We are writing to urgently request your intervention in addressing a critical issue that is negatively impacting our businesses and the state's economy: the seizure of legal cannabis products by the Border Patrol.

In recent weeks, there have been numerous instances of Border Patrol agents confiscating legal cannabis products from operators in New Mexico. These seizures have resulted in significant financial losses for the affected businesses, over $300,000 at this point, as well as a substantial loss in tax revenue for the state.

The legalization of adult-use cannabis has transformed it into a $1 billion industry in New Mexico, generating thousands of jobs and economic opportunities in communities that have long been in need of such development. These range from small family-owned businesses to large-scale operators who have invested millions of dollars. The continued actions of the Border Patrol threaten the growth and stability of this vital industry and the broader economic progress of our state.

We respectfully request the following actions be taken by our congressional delegation:

1. Advocate for the amendment of Border Patrol policies to accommodate legal cannabis operations in New Mexico. Operators who possess the appropriate documentation should be allowed to conduct their business without interference.

2. Support measures to ensure that operators who have suffered losses due to seizures are either compensated financially or have their products returned.

3. Facilitate dialogue between industry stakeholders and relevant federal agencies to develop solutions that protect legal cannabis operations while upholding national security.

By addressing this issue, you will be supporting the growth of a burgeoning industry that is vital to the economic development of New Mexico. We urge you to take immediate action to safeguard the interests of legal cannabis operators and the communities that depend on their success.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your support and swift action.