A group of New Mexico marijuana businesses has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration over seizures of state-legal products by Border Patrol agents. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that the seizures are not only unlawful but also pose a threat to the livelihoods of the businesses involved.
The cannabis industry in New Mexico has been growing rapidly since the state legalized recreational marijuana earlier this year. However, businesses have been facing increased scrutiny from federal authorities, including seizures of their products at the border. These seizures have resulted in significant financial losses for the companies involved.
The lawsuit alleges that the seizures violate the businesses’ rights under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits interference with interstate commerce. The companies argue that the federal government does not have the authority to disrupt trade between states where marijuana is legal.
The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction to prevent federal authorities from seizing their products in the future and are also seeking compensation for the losses they have already incurred. They argue that the seizures are not only illegal but also discriminatory, as other products that are legal in New Mexico are not subject to the same level of scrutiny by Border Patrol agents.
The lawsuit is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between state-legal marijuana businesses and federal authorities. It highlights the challenges that businesses in the cannabis industry face as they navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding marijuana legalization. The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of the cannabis industry in New Mexico and beyond.
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