Las Cruces upholds city-mandated 300-foot buffer zone for cannabis businesses

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- City Council voted to uphold the existing buffer zone around cannabis businesses in city limits.

That zone requires dispensaries and other cannabis-related companies to operate 300 feet away from residential areas and other cannabis companies.

Las Cruces representatives voted 4 to 3 in favor of the buffer zone. The zone also requires the businesses to avoid areas within 300 feet of daycares and schools.

Buffer Zone

Opponents of the buffer zone argue that other businesses do not operate under the same rules. For example, two restaurants are allowed to operate side by side.

Cannabis proponents argue that many businesses have had a difficult time finding eligible store fronts within city limits. They argue the rule has put a damper on cannabis business in Las Cruces.

Special Permits

Right now in Las Cruces city limits, cannabis-related businesses must apply for a permit. More than a dozen Las Cruces businesses have successfully applied for one of the permits.

Proponents of the buffer zone argue that allowing a cannabis business to open too close to residential areas could be detrimental to that neighborhood. The special permits help the city organize which business sells cannabis-related products, and therefore, where those businesses can operate.