Recreational cannabis is coming to Las Cruces; residents and retailers have questions

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- The Las Cruces city council chamber was filled with around 75 people, and another 80 were watching through a Zoom conference call.

State officials spoke to residents and those interested in the marijuana industry.

The speakers took questions about all types of marijuana subjects, including water permits, security, and even if cloning the plants is legal.

Robert Sachs, with the licensing and regulations in New Mexico specific to cannabis, explained the transportation of the plant saying, "It will have to be grown in New Mexico, manufactured in New Mexico, sold in New Mexico, and it cannot be moved. That goes for consumers as well. They can not purchase cannabis and move it across state lines."

Prospective grower Christopher Baca told ABC-7, "There are a few questions left unanswered, some grey areas if you will that we have tried to get questions and solidify answers from."

Combat veteran Victor Corral is worried that his being involved with the cannabis industry might affect his VA status since marijuana is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

Corral said, "Of course I am, but we have to change the laws for us to be able to contribute in the industry."