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Marijuana kingpin plots $2M GOP bid for New Mexico governorship

35 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Duke Rodriguez, the 67-year-old president and CEO of Ultra Health, is contemplating a Republican bid for New Mexico governor in 2026. While widely recognized for leading the state’s largest cannabis company, Rodriguez is keen to highlight his extensive experience in healthcare and public administration as he evaluates a potential campaign.

“I’m not hiding the fact [that] I’m developing this conversation. It’s a real, honest possibility,” Rodriguez stated, expressing over 90% confidence in joining the race. He has engaged in discussions with national Republican groups and local GOP officials to assess the viability of his candidacy. 

Rodriguez emphasizes that his interest in the governorship stems from a desire to effect meaningful change rather than personal ambition. “This is sincere. I don’t need the title,” he remarked, underscoring his commitment to public service.

Courtesy Portrait of Duke Rodriguez

Before founding Ultra Health in 2010, Rodriguez served as secretary of New Mexico’s Human Services Department under former Governor Gary Johnson and held a senior executive role at Lovelace Health System. His professional background also includes experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Rodriguez is prepared to invest $2 million of his own funds into a gubernatorial campaign, contingent upon his confidence in securing a majority vote. “We see Republicans get to 45, 46% in general elections. I have to know I can get to 50% plus one,” he stated.

His policy priorities include reforming and stabilizing Medicaid and public pension programs. Rodriguez advocates for stronger Medicaid verification and eligibility requirements, particularly concerning non-citizens, to ensure responsible allocation of resources.

In the Republican field, Rodriguez would join Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, who has officially declared his candidacy. Other potential GOP contenders include retired state Supreme Court Justice Judith Nakamura and former Lieutenant Governor under former Gov. Susana Martinez, John Sanchez. 

On the Democratic side, the race features prominent figures such as former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima is expected to announce his candidacy on May 27, while Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales is also considering a run.

Rodriguez’s potential candidacy brings a unique perspective to the gubernatorial race, blending his experience in healthcare administration, public service, and the cannabis industry. He plans to make a final decision regarding his campaign by September 2025.

As the 2026 election approaches, New Mexico voters can anticipate a dynamic and multifaceted contest, with candidates from diverse backgrounds vying to lead the state into the future.

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Major NM county removes marijuana testing for new employees

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Bernalillo County, encompassing Albuquerque and home to approximately 672,000 residents, has recently amended its Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy. The county commissioners unanimously voted to exclude marijuana—when used legally off-duty for medical or recreational purposes—from its definition of illegal drugs. Consequently, most public employees will no longer undergo pre-employment or random workplace testing for marijuana.

While this policy shift aligns with actions taken in other municipalities such as Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, as well as states like California, Connecticut, and New York, it raises significant concerns regarding workplace safety and productivity. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents and 85% more injuries compared to those who tested negative.

Furthermore, the absence of reliable testing methods to determine current impairment from marijuana use complicates the enforcement of workplace safety standards. Unlike alcohol, marijuana metabolites can remain in the body for extended periods, making it challenging to assess whether an employee is under the influence during work hours. This issue has been highlighted by workplace safety experts, raising concerns about potential liability for employers.

The decision by Bernalillo County also sets a precedent that may influence other counties in New Mexico. However, it’s important to note that the state’s Cannabis Regulation Act does not prohibit employers from maintaining drug-free workplace policies. Employers retain the right to discipline employees for being impaired by or possessing marijuana on the job, as noted in guidance from the Employers Council.

The implications of similar policy changes in other states are concerning. For instance, in Vermont, a medical marijuana user was terminated from his job after testing positive for cannabis and was subsequently denied unemployment benefits. This case highlights the potential legal and ethical dilemmas employers face when balancing employee rights with workplace safety.

Moreover, the trend of removing marijuana from drug testing panels has been linked to increased instances of employees attempting to subvert drug tests. A report by Quest Diagnostics indicates that workers are cheating on drug tests at the highest rate in more than 30 years, with marijuana being the most commonly detected substance.

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DHS Sec. Mayorkas has bad news for Gov. Lujan Grisham over pot seizures

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The U.S. Border Patrol continues to use its authority over marijuana shipments, including state-licensed cannabis, including in New Mexico, where it is legal. 

Despite the state’s legal market exceeding $1 billion in sales, many cannabis transporters report being detained and their products seized at Border Patrol checkpoints, according to the Associated Press. These checkpoints are typically situated about 60 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, primarily to screen for illegal immigrants and illicit drugs.

This issue has escalated to the point where far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham discussed the matter with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. 

“Secretary Mayorkas assured the governor that federal policies with respect to legalized cannabis have not changed,” stated Michael Coleman, a spokesperson for the governor.

Moreover, the situation has prompted marijuana business managers to seek intervention from New Mexico’s fully Democrat congressional delegation, hoping to secure safe passage for their shipments and address financial losses due to federal seizures. “We request that operators who have had product federally seized should be allowed to either get their product returned or be monetarily compensated for the losses they’ve sustained,” the group wrote in a letter.

Leftist Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s priorities, suggesting that they should focus more on stopping illicit drugs like fentanyl rather than targeting state-compliant cannabis suppliers. 

“Stopping the flow of illicit fentanyl into our country should be the Department of Homeland Security’s focus at these checkpoints, not seizing cannabis that’s being transported in compliance with state law,” he stated. Heinrich, however, does not appear to care about the flow of fentanyl across the border, though, as he opposes measures to secure the wide-open border where the killer drug is seeping through.

The U.S. Border Patrol reaffirmed that despite the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in many states, under federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance, its sale and distribution remain illegal. 

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New Mexico’s marijuana sales soar past $1 billion mark

9 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

New Mexico’s legal marijuana market sales have topped $1 billion in less than two years since the introduction of the adult-use market. Those figures include medical and recreational marijuana sales.

According to recent data released by the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department (NMRLD), this amount includes $678.5 million from adult-use cannabis across approximately 15.7 million transactions and $331.6 million from medical marijuana sales through around 6.5 million transactions.

The record-breaking sales figure is based on the latest monthly cannabis transaction data provided by the NMRLD, which also noted that February saw $35.7 million in recreational sales and $12.3 million in medical sales. 

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As of February, there are 1,050 retail marijuana outlets operational within the state.

December 2023 marked a record month for New Mexico’s adult-use cannabis market, generating $37.5 million in sales. A significant portion of the state’s cannabis market revenue is attributed to tourists, particularly those coming from Texas, due to its proximity and the legal restrictions in their home state.

Albuquerque leads in recreational marijuana sales with a total of $202.5 million. Following closely are Sunland Park and Las Cruces, both near the El Paso, Texas border, with cumulative recreational sales of $57.4 million and $45.4 million, respectively, highlighting the influence of cross-border shopping on New Mexico’s market. 

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‘Undoo’ products hit the NM market to counter effects of marijuana

1 Comment / New Mexico, News / By

New reports indicate that the New Mexico distributor of the product “Undoo” is selling the new trio of supplements aimed at counteracting the effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that come from smoking or consuming marijuana.

Assurance Laboratories, which sells the product under its operations and legacy operator Pecos Valley Production, says the product is expected to grow in distribution.

Tim George, the COO of Assurance Laboratories, told the Albuquerque Journal the products “include olive oil, the organic compound olivetol and vitamin E — the latter of which acts as a preservative for the trio of products that come in gel capsule form.” 

The company sells its “relief” product, which is marketed as a “cannabis companion” for when the drug is “too strong,” its “refresh” product, listed as a “daily after-cannabis ritual” for when there is “lingering fogginess,” and a “reset” product called the “high tolerance solution” for “lowering your tolerance to THC.” 

Since marijuana became legal in New Mexico in April 2022, New Mexico has seen over $300 million in sales, with $2.82 million in pot sales alone on this year’s “420” holiday that praises pot consumption.

It is unclear if the Undoo products will affect the sales of marijuana in New Mexico, either to go higher or lower, due to the purported effects of the compounds.

New Mexico’s 4/20 pot sales grew like a weed

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New Mexico’s 4/20 pot sales grew like a weed

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On April 20, marijuana smokers, dispensaries, and advocates celebrated the “420” holiday that praises the consumption of pot. In New Mexico, the formerly contraband drug was legalized beginning on April 1, 2022.

In 2022, New Mexico pot sales on the unofficial stoner holiday hit $1.12 million, according to Albuquerque Business First. However, in 2023, those numbers grew exponentially.

New Mexico sales of marijuana on April 20, 2023, rose 86 percent from last year to hit $2.82 million.

“This year’s 4/20 average transaction total was $50.28, up from the March average of $44.60. Hobbs recorded the highest average transaction size at $94.96,” reported the outlet.

The sales increase may also have something to do with the jump in dispensaries in the state, with 1,421 retail licenses in 69 towns in 2023 versus 681 stores operating in 37 towns in 2023.

The massive jump in sales also meant a 124.72 percent jump in transactions from last year to now, with 22,402 transactions in 2022 versus 50,342 transactions in 2023.

Software company Akerna noted that nationwide, 420 pot sales ballooned to $154.4 million in 2022, with that number rising to over $192 million in 2023, according to Cova.

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BernCo-area elementary student shares edible THC candies with classmates

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to reports from Tessa Mentus of KOB 4, an Algodones elementary student brought edible THC-infused candies to school, which were shared with classmates. This comes just days after legal recreational marijuana sales began on April 1 following Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham forcing a special legislative session to ram through the bill in 2021.

According to the release from the Bernalillo Public Schools:

At approximately 1:00 p.m., Algodones school administration was notified that a student brought edible THC infused candies and shared them with approximately 14 other students.

The District is collaborating with medical personnel and law enforcement to investigate and respond.

At this time, all involved students have been evaluated and are under the care of medical personnel and are stable. Parents have been notified. We will continue to make sure that all students are safe and healthy.

Like any other school system in New Mexico, we will have to grapple with educating our families, children, and staff on what to look for and how to provide safe environments for our children under this new era of legalization.

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MLG makes surprise appearance at ABQ weed shop

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Friday, scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham made a surprise appearance at Everest Cannabis Co., a pot shop in Albuquerque. The visit came as April 1 marks the first day of recreational marijuana sales in the state of New Mexico.

In 2021, Lujan Grisham demanded a special session to ram through the legal weed bill after the proposal failed in the regular session. 

The law, which the Governor touted as an economic booster, will only bring in a meager $28 million annually, according to the Legislative Finance Committee, includes a 12% excise tax, which will ultimately be passed down to the consumer. This could create an incentive for drug cartels to make big profits off of cheaper products due to the illicit substance being cheaper than that which can be bought over the counter.

Weed dispensaries across the state have already been broken into ahead of the April 1 scheduled opening, with fears of more of this type of behavior ramping up in weeks ahead as legal weed is now widespread across New Mexico.

According to Matt Narvaiz of the Albuquerque Journal on Friday, “@GovMLG makes an appearance at @everestnm’s Uptown location in Albuquerque. Today is the first day of adult-use sales in New Mexico.”

Despite concerns in ramming through the recreational weed bill in the 2021 Legislative Session, the consequences of the hastily passed law will reveal themselves in areas such as public safety, with traffic accidents and DUI arrests likely to go up, not to mention increased illegal drug activity.

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MLG touts abortion, pot, taxpayer-funded college as biggest accomplishments

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham sent out yet another fundraising email, this time trying to claim her administration has been a success on three major issues: abortion, recreational marijuana, and taxpayer-funded “free” college programs.

She spoke about how her signing of a 2021 bill to legalize abortion up-to-birth and infanticide was a “safeguard” for the ability to kill more children in the womb in New Mexico.

Lujan Grisham wrote, “I safeguarded our reproductive rights as the GOP attempted to enact near-total abortion bans in other states.”

Regarding pot legalization, she wrote, “I legalized cannabis to take a step toward ending the war on drugs, which has disproportionately harmed Black and brown communities.”

Lastly, she wrote, “​​I just signed a bill that will provide free higher education to every New Mexico student – opening doors for a generation of young adults.” This program costs the taxpayers a recurring $75 million, which in times of economic crisis will require tax increases to fund.

Lujan Grisham did not, however, talk about the 40% of small businesses killed under her pandemic lockdowns, the high pandemic virus numbers despite stringent mandates, or New Mexico having the highest unemployment rate in the United States.

Under her tenure, other than mass economic devastation, the Governor faced scandal after scandal, including a $150,000 payoff from campaign funds to a sexual abuse victim who claims she groped him. At the Children, Youth, and Families Department, important records were being deleted while whistleblowers who sounded the alarm got fired.

The Department of Workforce Solutions also had hundreds of millions of dollars missing while she paid people not to work during her pandemic lockdown — further exacerbating the economic devastation.

But despite these grievous offenses in office and more, Lujan Grisham is banging the drum on her legislative record of killing more babies up to the date of their birth, legalizing drugs, and forcing New Mexico’s already impoverished taxpayers to fork over more dough for “free” college programs.

Lujan Grisham faces multiple GOP opponents, one of which will be selected on the June 7 primary to take her out. Multiple Libertarians are also running for the nomination, showing a competitive race to defeat the scandal-ridden Governor in November.

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After signing $8.5B budget, MLG touts mere $31M/yr recreational pot will bring

2 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On April 1, recreational marijuana sales start in New Mexico after scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham rammed through a bill legalizing the illicit substance in 2021 following a failed attempt to pass it in a regular session.

“[A]ll adults 21 and up will be allowed to buy up to 2 ounces (57 grams) of marijuana at retail outlets throughout the state. It’s enough pot to stuff a sandwich bag or roll about 60 joints or cigarettes,” reports U.S. News.

But despite budget concerns about the cost of implementing the new law, as well as troubles it will bring with more crime on already crime-ridden New Mexico streets, the Democrat governor is touting the measure. 

Lujan Grisham claimed on Saturday, “We legalized cannabis and with it, we’re going to bring in $31 million in revenue in its first year alone. This means new opportunity for New Mexico!”

Even if the figure Lujan Grisham cites is true, the mere $31 million in tax revenue would generate would be a drop in the bucket as the far-left budget bassed by the Legislature this legislative session was the largest in the history of the state at $8.5 billion. 

That means it would be a mere 0.36% of the needed revenue to make up for the Democrats’ anti-energy policies implemented under the Lujan Grisham administration.

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