2022 Guide to Apply for a Cannabis Courier License in New Mexico
If you’re looking to get into the cannabis industry in New Mexico, you can now apply for a courier license. In this 2022 guide, we’ll briefly walk you through applying for a New Mexico cannabis courier license, including the costs and revenue potential.
As recreational cannabis sales in New Mexico began back in April, the industry is looking to boost the state’s economy, which brought almost $38M just in June. Among the many business ventures that marijuana enthusiasts and entrepreneurs can get into, they can start a delivery service within the jurisdictions in the entire state of New Mexico by applying for a cannabis courier license.
What is the New Mexico Cannabis Courier License
According to the adult-use marijuana legislation in New Mexico, cannabis delivery and transportation are handled by licensed courier businesses. These couriers are allowed to transport and deliver cannabis, cannabis products, and hemp within the boundaries of the state and to authorized patients, caregivers, dispensaries, care centers, retailers, labs, and facilities.
The cannabis courier license in New Mexico is issued by the Cannabis Control Division, which is governed by the NM Regulation & Licensing Department. The CCD is responsible for regulating the cannabis industry throughout the state and also licensing authorized entities and people to start, develop and manage marijuana-related businesses, including cannabis couriers agencies and enterprises.
What are the requirements to apply for a courier license in NM?
In order to apply for a cannabis courier license in New Mexico, the applicants must meet several requirements displayed in the CCD’s portal. The applicants must also register online and complete the entire checklist of basic and specific requirements to apply for a cannabis courier license. The basic requirements list includes:
- a delivery plan, that must specify the areas and recipients the courier will cover.
- a security plan that includes the facilities and vehicles used in the business
- description of the vehicles used by the courier or couriers, including plate number, model, type of vehicle, and other related information.
- being 21 years old or older. To verify this, the CCD will request a federal or state-issued ID
- criminal records for background check
- a non-refundable fee
- a security bond
The requirements specific to a New Mexico cannabis courier license include:
- courier name DBA business name
- date
- physical address
- phone number
- email address
- annual fees
How much does a cannabis courier license cost in New Mexico?
There are several costs that the applicant needs to cover before, during, and after applying for a courier license.
First, the CCD request a $1,000 non-refundable fee when submitting a courier license application, and an additional $5,000 security bond.
The cannabis courier license have also an annual fee of $250 per license, with a $100 fee for each licensed premises the applicant wishes to register. The annual license fee is the application fee. The CCD issues no other fees.
Lastly, there are also various additional costs when constituting your cannabis courier business in New Mexico, such as:
- Legal fees
- Real estate costs when leasing or purchasing the facilities
- Business-related costs and budgeting
- Security
- Vehicles and transportation
- Accounting and banking services
These costs may vary, so we recommend you contact us to advise you about the variety of fees for applicants, licensees, and businesses in the medical and recreational cannabis industry.
Obligations and additional considerations
Before applying for a cannabis courier license in New Mexico, the interested parties must comply with several regulations and understand the specifics of the cannabis industry and the courier license within the state:
- The business’ vehicles must not show any advertisement, slogans, or logos. However, the courier must have the mandatory license and registration to drive a cannabis courier vehicle.
- All the products must be correctly packaged and handled on the premises and must be transported in conditioned vehicles with the correct labeling and shelf-stable safety.
- The licensed courier shall verify the recipient’s identity by requesting an ID from the recipient and a medical cannabis identification card (if it applies)
- If there is a delivery agreement with a retailer, the courier must notify the CCD during the application process by specifying the name of the retailer, route, and additional information.
- The CCD will provide a track-and-trace system that will monitor the delivery and transportation of the products handled by the courier. All the data must be stored by the courier for at least 12 months.
- Cannabis couriers must not have the packages for longer than 24 hours. If the delivery is not made, the courier shall return the package.
- Cannabis couriers can only carry products with a value of $10,000 at most in aggregated retail value, including marijuana, marijuana products, hemp, apparel, accessories, and others.
Benefits of opening a cannabis courier business in New Mexico
Cannabis courier licenses in New Mexico come with several benefits. These include becoming part of a booming industry that will keep expanding over the next few years.
Additionally, you will also be part of the firsts licensed business owners that can transport marijuana safely, and as the industry starts to grow, your business will also grow.
Sales of recreational marijuana in New Mexico closed in around $38M just in June, with Alburquerque being the most profitable city, generating $7M.
Holding a cannabis courier license can open up opportunities to work in other aspects of the cannabis industry, such as retail sales or manufacturing by venturing into other businesses, like an integrated cannabis microbusiness in New Mexico.
Conclusion
Applying for a cannabis courier license in New Mexico is a great way to get involved in the cannabis industry. There are many benefits to holding one, including becoming part of a booming industry and working in other aspects of the cannabis industry.
The process of getting a cannabis courier license in New Mexico is not overly complicated, but there are several costs that the applicant needs to cover. In addition, applicants must comply with several regulations before applying for a cannabis courier license and may need the counsel of a professional. However, the process is worth it for those looking to get involved in the cannabis industry in New Mexico.
If you are interested in applying for a cannabis courier license in New Mexico, contact us today by filling out the form below. We can help you navigate the application process and ensure that your application is complete and accurate. We can also guide how to start and operate a successful cannabis business in New Mexico.
Ready to start your business? Acquire our 2022 New Mexico Cannabis Business License Package!
