New Mexico cannabis market favors biodegradable packaging made in USA

The state of New Mexico is also known as The Land of Enchantment, a title not taken lightly by those determined to preserve and promote the natural environment. One recent example can be found within the local legislature, via a proposal to amend the state constitution to include suggested “environmental rights” as civil rights, and empowering citizens to file litigation if those rights are allegedly violated. If Senate Joint Resolution 6 and House Resolution 4 are passed, currently under review by the Senate Rules Committee and the House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee, a ballot question would go before voters in 2024. Keep reading for a closer look at the New Mexico cannabis laws, cannabis sales and industry growth, and cannabis program details.

New Mexico cannabis laws

What does this have to do with the New Mexico cannabis program? It is an excellent insight into an important concern of a robust and expanding market. Adult-use sales officially began in New Mexico April 1, 2022. One year later, the state saw more than $300 million in New Mexico cannabis sales by those aged 21 and older. Consumers are legally allowed to purchase up to two ounces of cannabis, 16 grams of cannabis extract and 800 milligrams of edible cannabis at one time. Excess may be stored within a residence, as long as it is hidden from public view. Further, adults can grow up to six immature plants for personal use with a household limit of 12 plants total. Packaging correctly to stay compliant with New Mexico cannabis license laws as well as maintaining sustainability can be tricky, much like in other legalized states.

New Mexico cannabis laws become regulatory framework, which is overseen by the Cannabis Control Division (CCD). The rules for cannabis finished product packaging address common issues — child-resistant containers, non-toxic vessels, clearly marked serving size, THC content, and marketing dos and don’ts. All the packaging rules fall under 16.8.3.12(A) NMAC, which begins as follows: “Unless otherwise specified, edible or topical cannabis finished products shall meet the following requirements.”

However, how this applies to flower, concentrates and other products is not certain. Most of the rules specify they apply to edible and topical products. Others do not. Subsections (3) and (5) are nonspecific, which may lead to confusion. Subsection (4) is the only rule to specify flower. Subsections (3) and (4) when read together create a clear distinction between child-resistant container requirements for edible cannabis finished products and flower. Subsection (5), which mandates that packaging be reusable or recyclable, is less clear in its scope. There are also rules explicit to liquid cannabis finished products. All these fall under the heading addressing edibles and topicals only.

New Mexico Cannabis Program packaging details

It is of utmost importance to ensure packaging is compliant with these established laws, however following these rules to the letter also does not mean containers may only be one dimensional. In fact, many in the industry are adding to the compliance stance and including biodegradable elements to address their own concerns with the environmental impact of cannabis packaging. This has business benefits as well.

• Biodegradable is an additional selling point that can appeal to a new demographic. Studies have proven consumers are willing to pay more for products when a company uses sustainable resources to source and package them.
• Compliant packaging can be reasonably priced. Better for the earth does not automatically mean expensive; some options may even be more affordable than average containers.
• Eco-friendly packaging can reduce a business’s carbon footprint and eliminate unnecessary waste. HiSierra takes this concept a step further by manufacturing all products in the United States. We are proud to say that everything we sell is American-made cannabis packaging.

New Mexico cannabis sales

Sustainable packaging isn’t a trend specific to one area. According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global sustainable, biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging market is expected to record a CAGR of 24.2% during a forecast period of 2022-2030. This market is driven by several factors, including advanced eco-friendly technologies, growing public awareness of environmental conservation, manufacturers’ increasing emphasis on and demand for easily recyclable materials, more government initiatives to develop new packaging technologies, and further efforts to create biodegradable products. North America is a major contributor to this movement in biodegradable packaging, as well as the Asia Pacific regional market.

Looking to get ahead of the curve and bring innovation to your business? CannaCon West Albuquerque on May 19th and 20th in Booth 136. This spot is located along the wall left of the main entrance, close to Room 1 at the Convention Center at 401 2nd St NW. Come visit between 10 am and 5 pm to discuss market favoring of USA-made biodegradable packaging, and the best ways to add value to your brand. See you there!