New Mexico settles 2017 medical cannabis lawsuit for $69K

Officials at a New Mexico event venue have agreed to settle a lawsuit with a medical cannabis producer over what type of products could be displayed at the state fair.

Expo New Mexico officials agreed to drop a pending appeal and pay $69,600 to Ultra Health LLC to avoid further legal expenses, The Albuquerque Journal reported Friday.

The legal dispute began after Expo New Mexico told Ultra Health it could not display marijuana or any paraphernalia related to cannabis use or cultivation in its 2017 State Fair booth, officials said.

New Mexico State Police officers told company employees the year before to leave the fair after displaying a live cannabis plant, authorities said.

The lawsuit was aimed at preserving its free speech rights to display marijuana and advocate for its use, Ultra Health executives said.

The court ruled that Expo New Mexico violated the medical cannabis producer’s First Amendment rights, officials said.

The General Services Department posted the settlement on a public database following a six-month period in accordance with state law, officials said.