ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A state district judge has ruled that New Mexico health officials went beyond the scope of the law when they sanctioned a licensed medical marijuana producer for displaying a marijuana plant at the 2016 State Fair.

The Health Department initially ordered Ultra Health to close for five straight days during a period that included April 20, the busiest day of the year for cannabis sales.

Judge David Thomson in a recent order found the punishment would have amounted to a fine much greater than what is allowed under state rules and reduced the sanction to two days. He also...