Southwest Cannabis Trade Association has been established to promote the growth of a strong and united cannabis industry in New Mexico. The Southwest Cannabis Trade Association will serve as a trade organization devoted to working with our community partners and members to act as a governing caucus dedicated to forming fair and equative; policy, community based partnerships, and professional efficacy for our trade partners and adjacent cannabis related industries or ancillary services. The Southwest Cannabis Trade Association will represent the diverse interests of the cannabis community and work to better educate the members of the community in the areas where our cannabis partners exist and operate.

The Southwest Cannabis Trade Association (SCTA) was established in December of 2021. The SCTA holds meetings every other month, engages in advocacy on behalf of cannabis business owners and participates in trade special events. At this time, the Southwest Cannabis Trade Association has committed to organizing and hosting the “Southwest Cannabis and Hemp Conference and Expo”, an educational, in-person experience for cannabis and hemp business owners, cannabis and hemp adjacent business owners, cannabis and hemp researchers, cannabis and hemp consumers and the community at large. The Southwest Cannabis and Hemp Conference and Expo will give participants the opportunity to meet, listen to and make connections with leading experts in the hemp and cannabis markets. The event will allow for attendees to experience the latest and greatest cannabis and hemp resources, businesses, education, technologies, equipment, services and products. The event is scheduled to take place on September 21 and 22, 2022 at the Las Cruces Convention Center pending official confirmation of the location.

We believe that the mission of SCTA directly aligns with the mission of the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.). Like the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (CFSNM) the SCTA serves as a community resource to those familiar with cannabis and well as those looking to become more educated and involved in the cannabis industry. Further the Southwest Cannabis Trade Association operates in the spirit of New Mexico Cannabis Control Divisions social and economic equity policy which embraces the success and benefits of the
cannabis industry for those who are disadvantaged in some way especially those who have been negatively impacted by the criminalization of marijuana.

Southwest Cannabis Trade Association has both income and expenses. Southwest Cannabis Trade Association will generate income by collecting membership dues (starting at $420 for an individual membership and increasing to a corporate membership $5,000+). SCTA has also received sponsorship and donation commitments from businesses like HUB international, Visit Las Cruces, Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, Queen Bees, Dr. Green Hydroponics and Covenant Special Products. Income will also be generated through our Southwest Cannabis and Hemp Conference through ticket sales and vendor booth fees. Southwest Cannabis Trade Association’s anticipated expenses include meeting costs (every other month, mostly food and beverages – location is donated), fees related to conference organizing, administrative fees and a project administrative fee associated with our status with CFSNM (5%). The SCTA has established a relationship with Western Heritage Bank and will be opening a bank account with them (target date: prior to May 1, 2022).