NMRLD News:
SANTA FE — Judge Elaine P. Lujan of the Second Judicial District Court in Bernalillo County issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday against Sawmill Sweet Leaf LLC at 1501 Mountain Dr. NW in Albuquerque.
After hearing arguments presented by Division Counsel, Robert Sachs, the court found that the business posed a clear and immediate threat to public health and safety and therefore must cease and desist all cannabis activity immediately.
“This decision highlights the importance of adhering to legal regulations and ensuring public safety within the cannabis industry,” said New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) Superintendent Linda Trujillo. “It serves as a reminder that businesses must operate within the boundaries of the law to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the industry.”
The ruling comes as a result of a thorough investigation conducted by Cannabis Control Division compliance officers, which uncovered evidence of several serious violations. The CCD found evidence that Sawmill Sweet Leaf LLC was unlawfully selling out-of-state cannabis products and manufacturing cannabis extracts using a closed-loop extraction system without the proper license from the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) or permit from the Construction Industries Division’s LP Gas Bureau.
Out-of-state cannabis products are a risk to public health because their origins are unknown, and they have not been tested in accordance with New Mexico law to ensure they do not contain dangerous contaminants or adulterants. Improper operation of a closed-loop extractions systems poses a risk of fire and/or explosion that may result in severe bodily harm or death.
The preliminary injunction prohibits Sawmill Sweet Leaf LLC from engaging in any further cannabis activities until a formal hearing with the CCD occurs and further orders Sawmill Sweet Leaf LLC to comply with all requests for additional information from the CCD. Permanent action against the licensee may include fines, suspension, or revocation.
A Notice of Contemplated Action against Sawmill Sweet Leaf LLC was issued July 31 and can be found here.
