Legal Recreational Cannabis Sales Begin April 1, NM’s New State Engineer & Sustaining Local Journalism | 3.28.22

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Legal sales of recreational cannabis are set to begin April 1 in New Mexico. Our Line Opinion Panelists react to recent concerns from retailers concerned about supply. Plus, why the failure of recent legislation could mean more headaches on water rights and usage.

New Mexico has a new water boss under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. State Engineer Mike Hamman spoke with correspondent Laura Paskus about the state’s current water challenges, climate change, and infrastructure funding. They also talked about the cannabis industry and the demands it may place on water supplies and why New Mexico’s top water official is required to be a registered professional engineer.

Plus, COVID-19 and the economy have posed a big threat to many small news outlets across the state. We talk with working journalists about the challenges and opportunities in this new media landscape.

Correspondent:

Laura Paskus

Guests:

Mike Hamman, New Mexico State Engineer

Leota Harriman, editor, The Independent

Peter Rice, editor, Downtown Albuquerque News

Ryan Lowery, president, SPJ Rio Grande

Line Opinion Panelists:

Kristelle Siarza, CEO, Siarza Social Digital

Dan Foley, fmr. NM House Minority Whip

Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes NM

For More Information:

NM Gets Ready For Recreational Cannabis Sales – Santa Fe New Mexican

NM’s Legal Weed Stores Open April 1. Here’s What You Need to Know - Leafly

Albuquerque City Council Stalls on Enforcement of Marijuana Rules - KOAT

NM Office of the State Engineer/Interstate Stream Commission - Office of the State Engineer

NM 50-Year State Water Plan - Office of the State Engineer

“Lake Powell's water levels dip to new low, triggering worries about power production” - Arizona Republic

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