$35,000 in pot sales recorded in city in one week

Tucumcari saw more than $35,000 in cannabis sales during the first week of legal recreational marijuana in New Mexico.

According to data supplied by the state’s Cannabis Control Division, the city experienced a total $28,563.04 in adult-use sales of cannabis and $6,689.48 in medical-use sales through Thursday, for a total of $35,252.52.

Recreational marijuana sales were allowed in New Mexico on April 1. First-day sales in Tucumcari totaled nearly $14,000, including more than $11,500 in adult-use cannabis.

Only one dispensary, Buds n’ More at South First Street and Interstate 40, opened in Tucumcari on that day. However, at least six other dispensaries likely will open in the weeks or months ahead.

Local governments will receive a minority share of New Mexico’s 12% excise tax on recreational marijuana sales, along with a share of additional sales taxes. Medical cannabis remains tax-free.

First-day cannabis sales throughout New Mexico totaled more than $5.2 million, with two-thirds of that adult-use sales.

Total sales through Thursday were nearly $10 million.

“New Mexico was ready for this historic opportunity to end prohibition,” Cannabis Control Division Director Kristen Thomson stated in a news release last week. “Whether it’s people moving from the illicit market to the safe, regulated legal market or brand-new customers excited to try high-quality New Mexico products for the first time, New Mexicans supported cannabis businesses in record numbers this weekend.”

State officials noted sales were strong in areas close to Texas, where marijuana remains illegal. Clovis saw more than $187,000 in sales on the first day and $336,000 through Thursday; Hobbs recorded $243,000 and $437,000 through Thursday. Clayton reported over $10,000 in sales its first day.