New Mexico: Marijuana legalization clears first hurdle

A proposal to legalize marijuana advanced from the Senate Rules Committee Wednesday morning, in a fashion that even a key supporter found surprising.

Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, D-Albuquerque, presenting marijuana legalization to the Senate Rules Committee.

The Senate Rules Committee initially voted against a do-pass motion, which would send the proposed constitutional amendment to the Senate Judiciary Committee with a recommendation to pass. The vote was on party lines with Democrats in favor and Republicans against; there were an equal number of each in the committee Wednesday.

Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, then asked for a do-pass with no recommendation. Sen. Ted Barela, R-Estancia, joined all Democrats present and voted for the legislation.

If the Senate and House both approve the proposal, voters would be asked to vote on the issue, most likely on the November ballot.

This is the second-straight year that this legislation has passed the Senate...

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