Understanding New Mexico Cannabis Packaging Laws: What You Need to Know in 2025

As the Land of Enchantment’s cannabis industry continues to expand, understanding and complying with New Mexico cannabis packaging laws has never been more critical. Whether you’re a cultivator, manufacturer, or retailer, staying current on packaging and labeling regulations ensures product safety, protects consumers, and helps avoid costly penalties.

Regulatory Framework

New Mexico’s cannabis packaging and labeling guidelines are established under the Cannabis Regulation Act (CRA), enacted in 2021. The Cannabis Control Division (CCD), operating within the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), is responsible for enforcing these standards.

The detailed requirements are outlined in the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), particularly in Chapter 16.8.3.

• N.M. § 26-2C-17 – Mandates that cannabis product packaging must be child-resistant and resealable. It also empowers the CCD to establish rules consistent with industry standards for labeling and packaging requirements.
• N.M. Admin Code § 16.8.3.12 – Specifies packaging requirements for cannabis finished products, including limitations on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content per serving and per package.
• N.M. Admin Code § 16.8.3.9 – Details labeling requirements for cannabis finished products. Labels must include potency information, a warning statement, and a principal display panel with specific information (i.e. product identity and net quantity).

These regulations are designed to ensure consumer safety and prevent unauthorized access to cannabis products by minors. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for all cannabis businesses operating within New Mexico.

Packaging Requirements

New Mexico cannabis packaging compliance ensures safety and the prevention of appeal to minors.

General Standards

Cannabis product packaging must adhere to the following criteria:

• Child-Resistant – Packaging must be difficult for children under five to open, complying with standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Resealable – Multi-use products must be in containers that can be securely closed after each use.
• Opaque – Edible cannabis products must not be visible through the packaging.
• Eco-Conscious Materials – Packaging should be compostable, recyclable, or made from recycled materials whenever possible.

Restrictions to Protect Minors

To reduce the appeal of cannabis products to children, packaging must not include:

• Cartoons or Animations – Any imagery that could attract children is prohibited.
• Celebrities or Fictional Characters – Using well-known figures or characters is not allowed.
• Candy or Snack Mimicry – Packaging must not resemble candy or snack products.

Labeling Requirements

New Mexico cannabis labeling requirements include:

• Product Identity – Clearly state the product type, such as “Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Bar.”
• Net Weight or Volume – Specify the amount per serving and per package.
• Ingredient List – Include all ingredients, highlighting any potential allergens.
• Manufacture and Expiration Dates – Provide the dates of production and when the product should be used by.
• Manufacturer Details – List the name and license number of the manufacturer.
• Pesticide Disclosure – If applicable, disclose any pesticides used.
• Warning Statements – Include the following in bold font:
  • “For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery while under the influence of cannabis. BE CAUTIOUS. Cannabinoid edibles can take up to two hours or more to take effect.”
• New Mexico THC Warning Symbol – Display the universal THC warning symbol, reproduced at a minimum size of ½ inch by ½ inch.

Additional Labeling Standards

• Font Size – All label text must be in a font size no smaller than 1/16 of an inch, measured by the height of a lowercase letter “o.”
• Intended Use – Labels must identify the intended use and provide directions. If a product has multiple intended uses, each must be clearly stated, and the most restrictive labeling requirements apply.
• Prohibited Content – Labels must not contain untruthful or misleading statements, health or benefit claims, advertising, or content appealing to minors.

Specific Product Guidelines

New Mexico enforces detailed regulations for cannabis products to ensure safety and compliance. These guidelines vary based on the product type and intended use.

Edible Cannabis Products

• THC Limits for Recreational Use – Maximum of 10mg of total THC per serving and 100mg per package.
• THC Limits for Medical Use – Up to 50mg of total THC per serving.

Multi-Serving Products

• Divisibility – Solid edibles must be easily separable, allowing an average adult to divide individual servings with minimal effort.
• Scoring – Products must be permanently scored to identify individual servings.
• Cannabis Symbol – Each serving must have a cannabis symbol provided by the division, measuring at least ½ inch by ½ inch.

Liquid Cannabis Products

• Single-Serving Requirements – Liquid cannabis products are generally required to be single-serving.
• Multi-Serving Exceptions – If a liquid product contains multiple servings, it must:
  • Be in a container that is both child-resistant and resealable.
  • Include a built-in measuring mechanism within a child-resistant cap or closure to ensure accurate dosing.

Topical Cannabis Products

• Packaging Standards – Topical products must be packaged in containers suitable for their intended use, ensuring they do not impart any toxic or harmful substances to the product.
• Contamination Prevention – Packaging must prevent contamination and ensure safe, hygienic application.

Recent Legislative Updates

In 2024, New Mexico enacted significant legislation to enhance cannabis packaging and labeling regulations:

Senate Bill 6 (Signed March 1st, 2024)

Senate Bill 6 expanded the enforcement authority of the Cannabis Control Division (CCD). Key provisions include:

• Enhanced Enforcement Powers – The CCD can now seize and destroy illegal, adulterated, or misbranded cannabis products, strengthening efforts against unlicensed and illicit market activities.
• Packaging Requirement Revisions – The bill introduced stricter packaging guidelines to further protect youth from accessing cannabis products.

House Bill 64 (Effective August 1st, 2024)

House Bill 64 amended Section 26-2C-17 of the Cannabis Regulation Act to clarify packaging requirements, emphasizing child safety. Key mandates include:

• Opaque Packaging – All cannabis products must be opaque to prevent the contents from being visible.
• Prohibition of Youth-Appealing Imagery – Packaging and labeling must not mimic products safe for child consumption or include cartoons, symbols, or images resembling cartoon characters.
• Celebrity Likeness Restrictions – Packages cannot feature depictions of celebrities or celebrity likeness commonly used to market to minors.
• Pictorial Warnings – All products must include a pictorial warning indicating that the cannabis product should not be consumed by minors.

Compliance and Enforcement

Adhering to New Mexico’s cannabis packaging and labeling laws is crucial for maintaining licensure and ensuring consumer safety. The CCD actively monitors compliance and enforces regulations to uphold industry standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The CCD issues a Notice of Contemplated Action (NCA) to initiate formal proceedings against non-compliant businesses. Failure to comply with packaging and labeling requirements can result in:

• Product Recalls – Non-compliant products may be removed from the market.
• Monetary Fines – Businesses may face substantial fines or violations.
• License Suspension or Revocation – Persistent non-compliance can lead to suspension or loss of licensure.
• Cease of Operations – Businesses may be required to halt operations until compliance is achieved.
• Criminal Charges – In severe cases, formal criminal charges may be filed against business owners.

Best Practices for Compliance

To maintain compliance with New Mexico’s cannabis packaging regulations:

• Stay Informed – Regularly review updates from the CCD to stay current with regulatory changes.
• Consult Professionals – Engage legal or compliance experts to ensure adherence to all requirements.
• Conduct Internal Audits – Implement regular reviews of packaging and labeling processes to identify and rectify potential issues.
• Utilize Checklists – Employ tools like the CCD’s Product Labeling Checklist to verify compliance with all labeling standards.

Final Word

As cannabis continues to evolve into a mainstream industry in the Enchantment State, so does the regulatory environment. Following New Mexico cannabis packaging laws is not just about compliance; it’s about building trust with consumers, ensuring public safety, and maintaining the long-term sustainability of your business.

Are you interested in developing custom cannabis packaging in New Mexico, but unsure where to begin? Custom 420 Supply is here to help! Our team develops high-quality packaging and labeling for cannabis products that are 100% compliant with New Mexico’s regulations.

Interested in learning more? We invite you to reach out through our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)