New Mexico’s Cannabis Microbusiness License Fees May Rise

NEW YORK — Cannabis microbusinesses in New Mexico may soon face a hike in their annual license fees, should proposed rule changes be ratified after a public comment period.

A slated policy revision by the state Regulation and Licensing Department’s Cannabis Control Division (CCD) aims to double the annual permit fees for integrated cannabis microbusinesses cultivating 100 plants or fewer. As per KRQE News, these businesses, which currently pay $500 annually, would be required to pay $1,000, equating the fees to those businesses cultivating between 101 to 200 plants.

The proposed adjustments, set for review on Nov. 13, aim to establish a standardized fee across all microbusiness licenses. This adjustment, as stated in a notice by the CCD, intends to “ensure consistent fee schedules for microbusiness licenses and will introduce fees required to administer complex licensing requests.”

Moreover, if the changes receive approval, the CCD would impose a $75 fee for modifications to existing licenses and an additional $75 for the inclusion of a non-controlling agent to a license.

The proposal doesn’t stop with fee changes. It introduces a more stringent application process, obliging prospective business owners to provide a comprehensive list of employees, their company’s tax registration, and local zoning endorsements. Additionally, the prospective licensees would be mandated to reveal any prior cannabis-related disciplinary actions.

Stakeholders and the public will have an opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns regarding these changes. Written comments will be open for submission until the conclusion of the Nov. 13 meeting.