Brian Vicente to Keynote Southwest Cannabis Convention
May 13, 2024
Vicente LLP founding partner Brian Vicente stands among the pioneers who have championed the marijuana legalization movement, and today we are excited to announce that Brian will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Southwest Cannabis Convention in Las Cruces, NM. With a distinguished career spanning advocacy, policy drafting, and advising governments worldwide, Brian brings unparalleled expertise and insight to the forefront of the cannabis conversation.
Since its inception, recreational cannabis in Colorado has generated billions in tax revenue, funding vital projects such as school construction and creating thousands of jobs. New Mexico, the host state of the Southwest Cannabis Convention, recently has also been at the forefront of cannabis legalization. The state legalized medical marijuana in 2007 and recreational marijuana use in 2021. The impact of legalization is evident, with significant drops in marijuana-related arrests and a burgeoning industry poised to generate substantial tax revenue and job opportunities. However, New Mexico is not out of the woods yet – not by far.
Despite cannabis being legal under state law, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checkpoints along major highways have become a significant obstacle for cannabis growers and producers in southern New Mexico in recent months. The recent crackdown by on state-licensed cannabis businesses in southern New Mexico has sent shockwaves through the industry. With seizures totaling over $300,000 in the last two months alone, tensions have escalated between the state's regulated cannabis industry and federal authorities.
Despite the obstacles, the cannabis industry in New Mexico continues to show resilience and determination. The Southwest Cannabis Convention provides a platform for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and shape the future of cannabis in New Mexico. Join us on June 8, 2024, in Las Cruces, NM, as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing the cannabis industry in New Mexico and beyond. Brian Vicente's keynote address promises to be a cornerstone moment in advancing the conversation around cannabis legalization, regulation, and social equity.
Click here to register!