HB 346 New Mexico House · 2025 Regular Session

HEMP PRODUCTS & SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS

HB 346 bans the sale, possession, advertising, or marketing of semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids (like synthetic marijuana products) in New Mexico. It requires the Environmental Improvement Board to create rules regulating hemp-derived products sold to consumers, including setting THC limits (no more than 0.3% or federal limits, whichever is higher). The bill affects hemp retailers, manufacturers, and consumers by mandating compliance with these new regulations for products like edibles and vape cartridges containing hemp extracts. It also clarifies that hemp products meeting THC limits are exempt from certain food safety laws.

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

House Passage

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

Governor

Introduced Feb 7, 2025 Last action Jun 3, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

introduced version → CE substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill transfers rulemaking authority for hemp regulation from the Department of Environment to the Environmental Improvement Board starting July 1, 2025. It adds new definitions for semi-synthetic and synthetic cannabinoids and bans their sale, possession, or advertising in New Mexico. The bill also introduces specific requirements for hemp retailers and expands enforcement mechanisms.

Scope change

Rulemaking authority shifts from the Department of Environment to the Environmental Improvement Board for hemp regulation, hemp retailers, and hemp manufacturers.

TIMELINE

Rulemaking authority for hemp manufacturers and retailers transfers from the Department of Environment to the Environmental Improvement Board effective July 1, 2025, with existing rules remaining in effect until amended.

DEFINITION

New definitions added for 'semi-synthetic cannabinoid' (chemically converted from one cannabinoid to another) and 'synthetic cannabinoid' (produced via chemical synthesis), excluding decarboxylation processes.

REQUIREMENT

New section prohibits hemp retailers from receiving, possessing, offering, advertising, marketing, or selling hemp finished products containing semi-synthetic or synthetic cannabinoids.

Added specific requirements for hemp retailers including facility registration, purchasing/storage/recordkeeping standards, and inspection procedures.

ENFORCEMENT

Enhanced enforcement provisions allowing the Department of Environment to issue compliance orders, assess civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, or seek court injunctions for violations of hemp regulations.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 22, 2025 · House Mar 13, 2025

How they voted

36–0

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 40

Mar 22, 2025

D Democratic24

21 Yea 3

87% Yea

R Republican16

15 Yea 1

93% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 22, 2025

Upper · Passed

passed Senate

upper

Mar 20, 2025

Upper · Passed

DO PASS, as amended, committee report adopted

upper

Mar 13, 2025

Lower · Passed

passed House

lower

Mar 13, 2025

Introduced

Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee

upper

Mar 11, 2025

Lower · Passed

DO PASS committee report adopted

lower

Mar 1, 2025

Lower · Passed

DO NOT PASS, replaced with committee substitute

lower

Feb 7, 2025

Introduced

Sent to House Commerce & Economic Development Committee & House Judiciary Committee

lower

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors