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What’s Next for Legal Cannabis, CYFD Troubles and Historical Astronomy


This week, New Mexico in Focus continues its in-depth look at the state’s newly legal recreational cannabis industry. While June 29 marked the day the law went into effect, the state says April 2022 is likely when stores will open. As New Mexico considers its rules and regulations, The Line opinion panel discusses the public-facing part of the effort. Growing Forward podcast hosts Megan Kamerick and Andy Lyman also speak with Adam Levin of the Pew Charitable Trusts, who has studied states rolling out legal cannabis industries. 
 
William Donahue of St. John’s College in Santa Fe sits down with NMiF producer Matt Grubs to talk about receiving the LeRoy Doggett Prize for his work in historical astronomy. The American Astronomical Society recently named Donahue as its winner for his contributions to the field. Donahue talks about why it’s important to study the science of the past, as well as his translations of works by Johannes Kepler. 
 
The Line opinion panel also examines the rise in home school enrollment following a year of students learning from home. With New Mexico’s funding model based on enrollment, the trend has implications for public school districts across the state. The group also weighs in on the implications of encrypted and destroyed official records at the Children, Youth and Families Department. Searchlight New Mexico reports that fired CYFD whistleblowers Cliff and Debra Gilmore recently filed suit against the state.

Host: Gene Grant 

The Line Opinion Panel: 
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima PR 
Sophie Martin, attorney 
Dan McKay, Albuquerque Journal political writer 

Segments: 
Crafting a Legal Cannabis Industry 
Correspondents: 
Megan Kamerick, Growing Forward podcast co-host 
Andy Lyman, Growing Forward podcast co-host 
Guest: Adam Levin, Pew Charitable Trust 

William Donahue Wins Doggett Prize
Correspondent: Matt Grubs, NMiF senior producer 
Guest: William Donahue, American Astronomical Society Doggett Prize winner, St. John’s College