New Cannabis Control Division Director, Water Rights and a Wrap on Season 3 | 12.21.21

Growing Forward: Cannabis and New Mexico

This week, we wrap up Season 3 of the podcast with a grab bag of topics. For starters, we introduce you to the state's first ever Director of the Cannabis Control Division. Kristen Thomson has spent years in the industry, mostly in Colorado, as a lobbyist. Hosts Andy Lyman and Megan Kamerick find out why she wanted to take on this job, and how she will avoid any potential conflicts of interest from her previous work.

In addition, we get to the bottom of some of the lingering questions about water and cannabis, with John Romero of the Water Resource Allocation Program. They also discuss what we know about our water outlook and how a new cannabis industry might affect our ongoing drought.

Andy and Megan also break down some of the most recent headlines on cannabis, including Bernalillo County's decision to ban indoor consumption areas once the recreational-use market is up and running. Also in the news is a new state program to offer microbusiness loans for people looking to break into the industry. Read more on that story in Andy's reporting for New Mexico Political Report.

We'll be back in 2022 with an all new season of "Growing Forward." Until then, have a great holiday season and stay safe, and stay healthy!

Episode Music:

Christian Bjoerklund - "Hallon"

Poddington Bear - "Good Times"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Neon Drip"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Lupi"

Blue Dot Sessions - "Gusty Hollow"

Growing Forward Logo Created By:

Katherine Conley

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"Growing Forward" is a collaboration between New Mexico Political Report and New Mexico PBS.

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