It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to regulate the possession, cultivation, including micro, small, medium, and large-scale processes; manufacturing; processing; distribution; retail sales; on-site consumption and specialized events for the consumption of medical and recreational cannabis within the City of Artesia, as provided for by the New Mexico Cannabis Regulation Act, NMSA 1978, § 26-2C-1 et seq., (the “Cannabis Regulation Act” or the “Act”). The provisions of this chapter are in addition to any other permits, licenses and approvals which may be required to conduct business generally in the city, and are in addition to any permits, licenses and approvals required under state, county, or other law. The regulations and prohibitions in this chapter are enacted to ensure the health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors within the City of Artesia. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow persons to engage in conduct that endangers others or causes a public nuisance, or allow any activity relating to the cultivation, manufacturing, testing, or distribution of cannabis that is otherwise illegal under New Mexico state law. Nothing herein shall be construed to permit or authorize any possession, use, cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, retail sale, and/or consumption of cannabis beyond the provisions of the Cannabis Regulation Act or the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act, nor as affecting or intended to affect or modify federal law relating to cannabis. (Ord. O-1089, 9-14-2021)