Another state has decided to legalize the recreational use of cannabis this week, bringing the total of states to have done so since last November to seven. New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed legislation that will make the legalization of recreational marijuana official.
The legalization of recreational cannabis is not necessarily about the substance itself. It’s more about addressing how this particular substance has been used as a tool to perpetuate social injustice. Though cannabis use is more or less equal across race and status, there are more convictions against people of color and underprivileged communities.
Under this new legislation, those aged 21 and over will be allowed to purchase and possess up to two ounces (or around 57 grams) of cannabis outside of their homes. Home cannabis cultivators can grow up to six plants per person, or 12 plants per household. Police will no longer be able to use the scent of cannabis as grounds for arrest.
In addition to remedying social injustice against communities of color, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham hopes that marijuana reform will provide a platform to create jobs and generate revenue.
