Pot is a boon and a boom for NM economy
  • Rio Rancho was 7th in the state, with adult-use revenue at $749,776
  • In Bernalillo, sales were $277,974
  • In Corrales sales were $57,789

Rio Rancho is in the top 10 in New Mexico when it comes to recreational adult cannabis sales in April.

The city weighs in at seventh, with adult-use revenue at $749,776. In Bernalillo, sales were $277,974, and in Corrales, $57,789, according to the Cannabis Control Division.

Not unexpectedly, Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, was the highest in the state at $8 million. Las Cruces was second and Santa Fe was third with sales roughly $6 million less than Albuquerque.

Total adult use statewide was slightly more than $22 million, while medical cannabis sales across New Mexico were $17.3 million. Altogether, cannabis sales combined exceeded $39.4 million.

“New Mexicans showed up on April 1 ready to support local businesses selling high-quality New Mexico products,” said Kristen Thomson, Cannabis Control Division director, in a statement, “and they’re still coming. Thanks to hard work by the dedicated people working in the industry, supply easily met consumer and patient demand. New Mexicans have a lot to be proud of in the launch of this new industry, which is already adding value to the state’s diverse economy.”

At the bottom of the revenue ladder was Los Alamos, with barely more than $1,000 in sales.

Texans also helped push pot revenue, with communities near the Texas border posting high sales number. Hobbs and Sunland Park rounded out the state’s top five cities by sales.

All adult-use cannabis sales in the state are taxed, according to a press release announcing the sales numbers.

Medical cannabis sales are tax-exempt. The first tax payments from adult-use cannabis retail businesses are due on May 25, and data on state revenue from cannabis sales will be available after that date.

The Cannabis Control Division will release sales numbers on a monthly basis.

The Cannabis Regulation Act, passed by the legislature and signed by the governor last year, legalized adult-use cannabis sales, which began on April 1.

The new industry is projected to generate $300 million annually in sales, create 11,000 jobs and bring in $50 million in state revenue in the first year alone.