Las Cruces On The Brink: Removing Buffer Requirements For Cannabis Businesses Sparks Debate
Las Cruces, New Mexico, is deliberating the removal of buffer requirements for cannabis businesses, allowing them to operate within 300 feet of residential areas and other dispensaries without the need for special use permits.
According to KFOX14, the decision has sparked division among locals, with supporters emphasizing the need for a safety zone and opponents questioning fairness as compared to other industries like bars.
Some residents oppose removing the buffers, citing concerns about setting a negative example for the community and children. Conversely, proponents believe that clustering cannabis businesses can foster competition and lower prices for consumers.
On Monday, the Las Cruces city council met to decide the fate of the distance requirements for cannabis businesses. So stay tuned.
Surprising Job Figures In New Mexico
Meanwhile, an analysis conducted by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions revealed that the state's cannabis industry employed over 4,500 individuals across 150 businesses in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Dispensaries comprised the majority of registered firms, followed by cultivation, processing and wholesale sectors. The analysis also examined wages, with cannabis industry workers earning an average weekly wage of $560 in Q4 2022, reported Farmington Daily Times.
- Massive Demand & Disruptive Potential – Boxabl has received interest for over 190,000 homes, positioning itself as a major disruptor in the housing market.
- Revolutionary Manufacturing Approach – Inspired by Henry Ford’s assembly line, Boxabl’s foldable tiny homes are designed for high-efficiency production, making homeownership more accessible.
- Affordable Investment Opportunity – With homes priced at $60,000, Boxabl is raising $1 billion to scale production, offering investors a chance to own a stake in its growth.
Although this represented a decline from the previous year, workers from sectors like accommodation and food service were attracted to the cannabis industry for the higher wages.
Retail trade and arts, entertainment and recreation industries outperformed the cannabis sector in terms of average weekly earnings.
The analysis provided insights into the industry's growth and economic impact within a year of legalized recreational cannabis sales, showcasing employment opportunities in New Mexico.
“In just one year, adult-use cannabis sales have generated $300 million in our state, boosting our economy, generating revenue for local communities, and creating thousands of jobs. This is just the beginning of what New Mexico can expect from our newest industry!” recently tweeted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D).
Las Cruces' deliberations highlight the evolving regulatory landscape for cannabis, while the analysis emphasizes the robust employment prospects within New Mexico's flourishing weed sector.
Related News
Image Credits: Scott Elkins On Unsplash
© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
Cannabis is evolving—don’t get left behind!
Curious about what’s next for the industry and how to stay ahead in today’s competitive market?
Join top executives, investors, and industry leaders at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago on June 9-10. Dive deep into market-shaping strategies, investment trends, and brand-building insights that will define the future of cannabis.
Secure your spot now before prices go up—this is where the biggest deals and connections happen!
