But isn’t it Legal? Seizures of Legal Product Continue
Cannabis still remains illegal under federal law even in states where it is permitted. Businesses who sell cannabis in New Mexico now allege that items are being seized by federal officers at checkpoints at a staggering degree. On Valentine’s Day, Top Crop Cannabis Co. experienced one such occurrence when, during a normal transfer between their facilities, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol detained an employee for almost three hours and confiscated 22 pounds of cannabis, worth $139,000. This has been reiterated by our friends down south as well. Be careful traveling through our border check even with a med card or manafest.
Top Crop Cannabis Co., told KRQE, they anticipated receiving a letter detailing the procedure for retrieving their seized product, but it never showed up. The loss is significant, affecting not only their company but also perhaps putting other industry participants’ livelihoods at jeopardy. The seriousness of the matter is demonstrated by the New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, which has reported 12 instances of this kind in the last two weeks, resulting in the seizure of goods valued at over $300,000.
The executive director for New Mexico’s Cannabis Chamber, Ben Lewinger, feels that New Mexico companies are the focus of these seizures more than others. He highlights the negative effects on small businesses and tax income and calls on the White House to shift its focus away from state-legal cannabis activities. In defense of its activities, the U.S. Border Patrol points to federal legislation that designates marijuana as a Schedule I restricted substance.
Lewinger is working with state congressional leaders to solve the issue and emphasizes the significance of federal respect for state legislation. In support of this position, Congressman Gabe Vasquez is a co-sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, which attempts to give money to companies who sell legal cannabis. Senator Martin Heinrich agrees, highlighting the necessity of federal funding to address more urgent problems like the trafficking of illegal fentanyl.
Lewinger is working with state congressional leaders to solve the issue and emphasizes the significance of federal respect for state legislation. In support of this position, Congressman Gabe Vasquez is a co-sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, which attempts to give money to companies who sell legal cannabis. Senator Martin Heinrich agrees, highlighting the necessity of federal funding to address more urgent problems like the trafficking of illegal fentanyl.