These terms have long been used to describe society’s so-called degenerate, law-breaking marijuana users; however, now that cannabis prohibition has ended in New Mexico, the attitude behind the slang is bound to evolve.

Imagine how teetotaling Americans felt after the Prohibition Era came to an end. Before alcohol sales and public consumption became mainstream, pearl clutching and moral righteousness pervaded the attitudes of many. Consumption of alcohol was seen as the entry point to a life of poverty and desperation, much like cannabis has been marketed as a gateway drug to a life riddled with crime. With legality out of the way, the community’s beliefs about marijuana use may begin to change.

I recently walked right into a dispensary and bought some recreational cannabis. Just walked right in, in the middle of Carlsbad, after a nice date night, shopped around a bit (totally clueless) and after some guided help, left with a product I have been taught to avoid and fear since my elementary D.A.R.E program.

In reality, the whole experience was similar to receiving help choosing a nice white wine to pair with a meal or learning about the differences between silver and gold tequila. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, the dispensary clean and bright. Nothing shady whatsoever, but I still felt like a naughty teenager sneaking liquor out of my parents’ bar.

Recreational cannabis use has been legal in New Mexico since April 1, 2022. The legality is no longer the issue. It is legal. Going to the store and buying marijuana is the same as buying alcohol in the eyes of the law. But what about in the eyes of the community?

As one Carlsbad resident explained, “It’s going to take a while for public opinion to catch up with the law as far as buying pot goes. Sure, we can buy it and use it, but will we? Are the next generations of kids going to see their parents puffing a joint the way my kids saw me have a Friday night margarita, or a mimosa at a bridal shower? My husband and I did a brewery tour of the west, with our kids, without batting an eye. Would we, should we do the same with dispensaries? It looks to be a profitable industry for our state, let’s hope legalization alleviates problems instead of exacerbating them. “

We can look to our neighbors in the north to provide a roadmap on legalizing marijuana. Colorado has legalized recreational cannabis for about a decade with mixed results.

One of the most positive benefits of legalization is huge revenue gains for the state. Colorado has collected upwards of $2 billion in cannabis excise taxes since 2014. Revenue in Colorado’s Marijuana Tax Cash Fund is required to be spent the year after it is collected and used for health care, health education, substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, and law enforcement. The marijuana excise tax revenue is credited to the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Fund.

New Mexico looks to be on a similar financial trajectory. According to an article from Curtis Segarra at KRQE News, “The first month of sales earned the state more than $2.4 million in cannabis excise tax. Non-medical sales are subject to a 12% excise tax. That’s in addition to the usual gross tax receipts that businesses are required to pay.” Mike Smith at the Carlsbad Current Argus reported, “The State of New Mexico estimated cannabis sales could generate up to $300 million annually, and create 11,000 jobs while bringing in $50 million in state revenue in 2022 alone.” Carlsbad continues to be a hearty contributor to the pot; sales each month since legalization on April 1st continue to reach beyond the $1 million mark.

Carrie Hamblen, a New Mexico state senator for District 38, explained “Housing, food insecurity, economic development, those are all programs that will be looking to benefit from that revenue.”

With huge gains in green, Carlsbad is poised for improvement. It is up to the community to participate in a safe and responsible manner.