ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Ringing in a historic day for the state, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham visited Everest Cannabis Company in Albuquerque Friday as retail recreational cannabis sales began statewide. The Governor, who didn’t buy anything herself, spend about thirty-minutes at the store meeting customers and talking to employees.
“I’m excited, this is what New Mexicans said they wanted,” Governor Lujan Grisham said. “They said they wanted it long before was I running.”
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While recreational cannabis sales nearly hit $500,000 statewide by noon Friday, the Governor emphasized Friday that she expects the industry will continue to be an economic driver for New Mexico. Some economists have estimated the value of the state’s new industry from about $342 million (a year after the new law is fully implemented) to around $1 billion by 2026.
During her visit, the Governor was repeatedly asked if she would make a purchase for herself. Quashing speculation, she said, “I am not,” but left the door open for a possible change of heart in the future.
“But who knows?” she said. “I don’t have to decide today, because it’s not going to end today. It’s going to stay forever.”
