New Mexico regulators target Cookies for opening day violations
A dispensary in Albuquerque, New Mexico owned by California-based Cookies is under investigation for alleged violations of the Cannabis Regulation Act, according to an April 8 notice filed by the state regulators.
According to the notice from the state Cannabis Control Division, the alleged infractions reportedly took place at the dispensary, which is operated by Blue Whale Enterprises Inc. – a subsidiary of Cookies which uses the global brand’s logo and name – during its grand opening event on Nov. 18, 2023, located at 1340 Broadway Blvd.
The notice outlines five specific violations that allegedly took place on the shop’s property, including allowing underage consumption, promoting excessive cannabis use on social media, allowing unauthorized on-site consumption without a proper license, co-mingling alcohol and cannabis, as well as displaying cannabis products outside the designated retail area.
The CCD’s evidence against the operator includes photographic evidence, inspection checklists, testimony from CCD staff and witnesses, news articles, social media posts, depositions, and the date of birth of a minor who allegedly participated in the grand opening festivities.
Regulators are weighing its options for disciplinary action against the dispensary’s license.
According to the notice, Blue Whale Enterprises has the right to request a formal hearing within 20 days of receiving the notice or to seek a settlement conference to negotiate a compromise on the penalty. If the dispensary operator didn’t request a hearing, the CCD would proceed with its contemplated action, which would be final and not subject to judicial review.
However, Blue Whale Enterprises Inc. this week requested either a formal hearing or a settlement, local news outlet KRQE News 13 reported. If allowed, a formal hearing would give the operator a chance to present evidence, examine witnesses, and issue subpoenas.
Andrea Brown, spokesperson for the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, told KRQE News 13 that the CCD is “still determining what option is in the best interest of the state, and unless a settlement is agreed upon by both parties, a hearing will be scheduled.”
Blue Whale Enterprises told KRQE that management would provide a comment on the matter on Wednesday.
