No fooling. April 1 marks the first day Albuquerque — and New Mexico as a whole — allows adult recreational sales of cannabis. In anticipation of short supplies, medical patients were seen coming in droves to stock up their supplies Thursday before the big day.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the expected projections of cannabis sales in the state could generate between $125 to $300 million in sales in just the first year.
Tax on recreational marijuana is 17-22%. Regular retail tax accounts for 5-9% with the additional 12% being part to the bill that passed last year. That number will go up to 20% percent by 2025.
Medical sales, however, are no longer taxed.
Due to federal laws, the only form of currency dispensaries take is cash.
Public consumption is being treated just like alcohol with responsible smoking encouraged. The city council will be talking about how to address public consumption at its meeting Monday, April 4.
NE Heights dispensary locations
Here is a list of nearby locations, what they have to offer, as well as what other resources there are to smoke legally.
There are several shops customers can go to in the Northeast Heights, and all listed here will be selling recreationally. However, not all medical dispensaries will be making the change to offer recreational, so check first before going.
Dispensaries
Pecos Valley Production in the Promenade 200 Eubank Blvd. NE A2
Pecos has courteous and quick budtenders, as well as a menu in the front room showing pricing and THC/CBD percentages before walking to the back to purchase. Pecos seems to have a variety of high percentage strains, and people were getting in and out there in record fashion. https://pecosvalleyproduction.com/
Southwest Wellness 9132 Montgomery Blvd. NE Ste. D
Southwest Wellness prices start at 3.5 grams for $28 and has 26 strains to choose from on its menu.
https://southwestcannabis.com/albuquerque-montgomery-eubank/
Everest 5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE Suite B
Everest has categorized its menu options for recreational and medical use pricing. Grams starting at $6.50 each.
https://everestnm.com/northeast-heights-dispensary/
These dispensaries are all within walking distance on Eubank and Montgomery.
Purlife 9800 Montgomery Blvd.
Established in 2016, Purlife has grams as low as $11, merchandise giveaways and a loyalty program, which offers deals and discounts.
Keyway Marketplace (formerly Shift NM)
9880 Montgomery Blvd. NE Ste. C
People can order online directly from the site, with grams starting as low as $7.99, and they say delivery options are coming soon.
https://www.keywaynm.com/abq-montgomery?dtche%5Bcategory%5D=flower
R. Greenleaf 9821 Montgomery Blvd. NE A
R. Greenleaf offers grams starting at $6 and offers its Gratify rewards loyalty program, earning up to 15% back in rewards, free goodies and exclusive deals.
https://rgreenleaf.com/location/northeast-heights-clinic/
Smoking Accessories
While not offering marijuana sales, additional smoke shops in the Heights sell accessories.
ABC Top Market Smoke Shop 9050 Montgomery Blvd. NE #1
ABC just opened six months ago and said it has been a somewhat rocky star. The shop has a large selection of concentrate accessories as well as silicon and glass pipes.
The shop is located just west of the Southwest Wellness and is open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Oasis Smoke Shop 3500 Menaul Blvd NE #7
The girls at Oasis smoke shop can help with any of your accessory needs and has a large supply of locally hand-made glass.
Apps
Marijuana apps have much to offer, including a map of all the participating dispensaries, their strains, concentrates and edibles menus. Some dispensaries also offer online ordering and delivery options. There is also tons of educational information on these apps.
Leafly
Leafly has an easy map and menu search, where customers can order online or get products delivered from some dispensaries anywhere in the city. The app offers exclusive deals specific to the site, sales watches and in-depth product information. Each dispensary has its menu on the app, and product can be ordered at the touch of a button. The app has Cannabis 101 educational information as well as how legalization has a social and economic impact.
For more info check out https://www.leafly.com/
Weedmaps
Weedmaps has a list of featured brands and dispensaries, as well as secret code deals and 15% off coupons at participating locations. This app also offers guides to strains, as well as up-and-coming products in the industry.
For more information, check out https://weedmaps.com/dispensaries/in/united-states/new-mexico/albuquerque
Education & Employment
Want to get into this multi-million-dollar business?
There are cannabis staffing agencies that will help get those interested in the business trained and certified to help them get into the industry.
According to ZipRecruiter, jobs in the industry can range from $27,000-$96,000 per year.
Here are the top three cannabis staffing agencies:
TruPath trupathsearch.com
Seedcrest https://seedcrest.io/
Hemp Staff hempstaff.com
University of New Mexico also offers an extensive continuing education program on cultivation, distribution, compliance and more.
For more information, visit https://cannabiseducation.ce.unm.edu/
