Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Cannabis tourism in New Mexico just hit $300 million in revenue last year. But here's what's fascinating. It's not the consumption that's driving growth. It's the unique blend of scenic locations and cultural experiences.
[00:00:14] Speaker B: You know what's really interesting about those numbers? The tourism boost is happening in some really unexpected places, like these small towns that are reinventing themselves.
[00:00:24] Speaker A: Let me tell you about one of those spots.
There's this place called the Smokehouse in Carrizozo that's completely transformed the local economy.
They've created this incredible indoor space with panoramic views of the hills, and it's bringing in visitors from all over the country.
[00:00:42] Speaker B: Hmm.
That reminds me of what happened in Colorado when they first legalized.
But New Mexico seems to be taking a really different approach, right?
[00:00:51] Speaker A: Oh, exactly. They're focusing on what they call integrated experiences.
So instead of just dispensaries, you've got places like the new Sunlight Fire Workshop in Socorro where people can gather around campfires under this amazing star filled sky.
[00:01:07] Speaker B: Well, that's quite different from what I expected.
How are they managing to balance all the regulations with these unique experiences?
[00:01:15] Speaker A: So here's the fascinating part. New Mexico has created these very specific zones where consumption is allowed. You can possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana, but public consumption is still prohibited. And they're really strict about federal lands being completely off limits.
[00:01:31] Speaker B: The way they've designed these spaces is pretty clever. Like that black sheep meat company in San Antonio combining gourmet food with cannabis culture.
That's genius.
[00:01:41] Speaker A: And you know what's really driving this whole thing?
The data shows that 60% of cannabis tourists are actually coming for the landscape first, cannabis second.
They're spending an average of four days in the state compared to regular tourists who stay just two days.
[00:01:58] Speaker B: That's such an interesting shift in tourism patterns.
What about the cultural aspect?
New Mexico has such rich heritage.
[00:02:07] Speaker A: Well, that's where it gets really interesting.
Many of these new cannabis friendly spaces are incorporating local art and architecture.
Like at Elida's farmers market, they've got this whole section dedicated to indigenous artisans alongside their cannabis friendly areas.
[00:02:26] Speaker B: So if we're looking at the bigger picture here, this is really about economic development as much as it is about cannabis, isn't it?
[00:02:33] Speaker A: Exactly.
The numbers show that for every dollar spent on cannabis, tourists are spending about $3 on other local businesses. And get this, small towns that have embraced these cannabis friendly spaces have seen an average 15% increase in overall tourism revenue.
[00:02:49] Speaker B: That's quite impressive, though. I imagine there must be Some challenges with this whole setup.
[00:02:54] Speaker A: Oh, for sure. The biggest issue they're dealing with is education, making sure people understand where they can and can't consume.
Like, you know, how White Sands national park is this incredible spot. Well, being federal land, it's completely off limits for cannabis.
[00:03:12] Speaker B: Well, that brings up a good point about responsible tourism. What kind of guidelines are they putting in place?
[00:03:18] Speaker A: They've actually developed this really comprehensive system.
First, all dispensaries are required to provide detailed information about local laws. Plus, they're implementing this new Desert Smart program that teaches visitors about altitude effects on cannabis consumption, because that's actually a big deal at higher elevations.
[00:03:38] Speaker B: The whole thing seems to be setting a new standard for what cannabis tourism.
[00:03:41] Speaker A: Could look like, and that's what makes this so fascinating. It's not just about creating places to consume. It's about building this entire ecosystem that benefits local communities while preserving the natural environment.
The latest projections show this model could generate over $500 million in tourism revenue by next year.
[00:04:02] Speaker B: Looking ahead, do you think this could be a model for other states?
[00:04:06] Speaker A: You know, that's the big question everyone's asking. The data suggests that states with similar natural attractions could potentially tap into this market.
But what makes New Mexico unique is how they've managed to blend cultural heritage, natural beauty, and responsible cannabis tourism into one cohesive experience.
[00:04:26] Speaker B: Sounds like they've really found that sweet spot between regulation and innovation.
[00:04:31] Speaker A: And that's really the key takeaway here. It's showing how cannabis tourism can actually contribute to local economies and cultural preservation. When it's done thoughtfully, the numbers don't lie. Small businesses in these areas are seeing an average 20% increase in revenue, and that's something other states are definitely paying attention to.
