Press coverage
Since February 14, 2024 the Customs and Border Patrol has been seizing state legal cannabis from operators in Southern New Mexico. The seizures have been occurring at inland checkpoints where Border Patrol has authority to conduct operations up to 100 miles inland. These seizures have included product, cash and checks, as well as vehicles. Below is the press coverage the seizures and subsequent lawsuit have received.
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Cannabis providers speak out against Border Patrol seizures
Las Cruces Bulletin
June 23, 2024, 17:00 MSTReports seizures of over $350,000 from 14 businesses since February 2024. Las Cruces business owners addressed the city council, highlighting the Interstate 25 checkpoint’s impact.
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Marijuana Seizures At U.S.–Mexico Border Continue To Fall As More States Legalize, Federal Data Shows
Marijuana Moment
May 8, 2024, 11:09 MST
Notes over a dozen seizures around Las Cruces since February. Businesses sought congressional support to address disruptions. -
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Why Border Patrol checkpoints are seizing New Mexico cannabis
KRQE
May 7, 2024, 05:00 MST
Features Matt Chadwick of Top Crop Cannabis, describing seizures of over $300,000 as “stealing.” Twelve businesses were affected. The industry pushed for federal clarity. -
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New Mexico cannabis operator reports more Border Patrol seizures
MJBizDaily
May 3, 2024, 14:35 MST
Notes two additional seizures of over $90,000 in early May. Kai Kirk of Head Space Distribution reported ongoing losses. -
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‘Seize all cannabis’: Inside the surprising federal crackdown on New Mexico weed farmers
POLITICO
May 1, 2024, 17:37 MST
Reports seizures of over $300,000, affecting 15 producers. Senator Martin Heinrich and Representative Gabe Vasquez criticized the focus on legal cannabis. -
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Why are US officials seizing regulated cannabis in New Mexico?
MJBizDaily
April 22, 2024, 03:30 MST
Details six incidents totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars since February at Alamogordo and Las Cruces checkpoints. Representative Vasquez requested a DHS briefing. -
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Border patrol cannabis seizures press industry
Las Cruces Bulletin
April 22, 2024, 17:00 MST
Reports seizures of about $350,000 from 14 businesses since February at Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 70 checkpoints. CBP defended its actions. Businesses planned to lobby Congress. -
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Cannabis seizures at checkpoints by US-Mexico border frustrate state-authorized pot industry
KRWG Public Media
April 22, 2024, 09:10 MST
Notes seizures of over $300,000, with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham addressing scrutiny. Senator Heinrich criticized resource allocation. Congressional intervention was sought. -
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Cannabis seizures at checkpoints by US-Mexico border frustrate state-authorized pot industry
BorderReport
April 21, 2024, 20:08 MST
Describes seizures of over $300,000, with businesses requesting compensation. Governor Lujan Grisham raised enforcement inconsistencies. -
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Border Patrol will continue legal marijuana seizures in New Mexico
Green Market Report
April 19, 2024, 13:49 MST
States that Border Patrol will continue seizures, citing federal law, with over $300,000 confiscated since February. Twelve businesses were affected. Federal solutions were sought. -
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Cannabis seizures at checkpoints by US-Mexico border frustrate state-authorized pot industry
Local10
April 19, 2024, 12:28 MST
Reports seizures of over $300,000, with detained drivers. Businesses petitioned Congress, and Senator Heinrich prioritized fentanyl enforcement. -
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Cannabis seizures at checkpoints by US-Mexico border frustrate state-authorized pot industry
NY1
April 19, 2024, 12:33 MST
Covers seizures of over $300,000, frustrating providers. Matt Kennicott of High Maintenance described impacts on safety testing. Governor Lujan Grisham’s federal discussions were noted. -
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Cannabis seizures at checkpoints by US-Mexico border frustrate state-authorized pot industry
U.S. News & World Report
April 19, 2024, 12:28 MST
Highlights seizures of over $300,000 since February, impacting state safety compliance. Governor Lujan Grisham engaged federal officials. Businesses petitioned for relief. -
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Cannabis seizures at U.S.-Mexico border checkpoints frustrate state-authorized pot industry
Washington Times
April 19, 2024, 08:33 MST
Notes seizures of over $300,000 since February, causing confusion and losses. Governor Lujan Grisham discussed the issue with Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Congressional intervention was sought. -
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Cannabis seizures at checkpoints by US-Mexico border frustrate state-authorized pot industry
ABC News
April 19, 2024, 16:50 MST
Reports seizures of over $300,000 in state-legal cannabis since February. Drivers face hours-long detentions, disrupting safety testing. Governor Lujan Grisham discussed concerns with Mayorkas, who confirmed no federal policy change. -
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Cannabis seizures at checkpoints by US-Mexico border frustrate state-authorized pot industry
AP News (syndicated by KUNM)
April 19, 2024, 04:23 MST
Details seizures of over $300,000, impacting New Mexico’s $1 billion industry. Governor Lujan Grisham noted disproportionate scrutiny. Senator Heinrich criticized the focus on cannabis over fentanyl. -
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Border Patrol ramps up seizures of state-legal cannabis in New Mexico, industry reports losses
New Mexico In Depth
March 15, 2024
Reports that Border Patrol began seizing state-legal cannabis at Las Cruces and Alamogordo checkpoints in February 2024, with losses of about $100,000 from five businesses. Drivers faced detentions, disrupting supply chains. Businesses explored legal options.