Curry officials aim to restrict cannabis product packaging

Curry County commissioners look to enact an ordinance before the end of the year that will restrict packaging for cannabis products.

The ordinance, brought before the commission by County Manager Lance Pyle, aims to restrict cannabis products that target children with colorful packaging.

The proposal is scheduled to be voted on at the commission’s Dec. 13 meeting.

During discussion on the proposal Pyle said there are similar provisions allowed in the state’s alcohol sales laws.

The ordinance states advertising and marketing activities of cannabis products shall not: Be done in such a manner that is deemed to be deceptive, misleading, false or fraudulent, or that tends to deceive or create a misleading impression; can’t make unproven health benefit claims. If there are any health benefit claims those must be supported by substantial evidence or substantial clinical data. The advertising can’t be on billboards, posters, handbills or other visual media that are located or can be viewed within 300 feet of a school, daycare center, public park, playground or church; may not contain symbols or images, including a celebrity or celebrity likeness, that are commonly used to market products to minors; may not use predatory marketing or advertising practices targeting minors; may not be designed to mimic any other product brand; may not promote the over consumption of cannabis or cannabis products; and may not depict the actual consumption of cannabis or cannabis products.

Violation of the ordinance will be punishable by a $300 fine or 30 days in jail or both.

In other business on Tuesday, commissioners entered into canvassing and certifying the Nov. 8 election in the county as per state law.

Curry County Clerk Annie Hogland gave the commissioners her report on the election.

There had been an interruption earlier in the meeting, a phone call from Annette Castillo alleging the Curry County election had been manipulated and the canvass should not be certified.

Castillo said she had sent emails to the commissioners, Hogland and Pyle. In her email, she described herself as a “lifelong resident of New Mexico.” Her email reads in part, “The Majority of America KNOWS the elections are stolen.”

Officials in Roosevelt and De Baca counties reported receiving similar emails from Castillo.

Commission Chair Chet Spear told Castillo she had missed her time to speak and was welcome to call in on next month’s meeting.

Commissioners voted unanimously to certify the canvass.

The state canvass board will meet Nov. 29 to make the election results official.