The Latest: New Mexico House endorses recreational marijuana

A proposal to authorize recreational marijuana sales and consumption for people 21 and over in New Mexico has been endorsed by the New Mexico House of Representatives.

By a 36-34 vote Thursday, the Democrat-led House passed a bill that would regulate and tax marijuana sales largely through state-operated stores. Marijuana products would be sold on a consignment basis. The system would be unique in the United States but mimics established state-run stores for liquor.

Some private stores would be allowed in areas far from government-run stores.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Democratic Rep. Javier Martinez called the bill a “grand bargain” between Senate Republican and House Democrats who merged competing proposals.

Ten states and the district of Columbia allow recreational marijuana. New Mexico would become the second state after Vermont to approve it by legislation rather than a ballot initiative.

The bill does not allow for home-grown recreational marijuana. State-approved medical marijuana patients would still be able grown their own.

11:10 p.m.

Recreational marijuana would be sold largely at state-operated consignment stores across New Mexico without the right to grow recreational cannabis at home under a compromise legalization bill.

Democratic House lawmakers on Thursday unveiled a compromise bill to legalize recreational marijuana that incorporates a proposal from Senate Republicans. [Read More @ The State]