A comprehensive marijuana reform bill that intends to increase possession limits and eliminate obstacles in the marijuana industry has been adopted by Nevada lawmakers.
On June 14, 2023, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo signed the new legislation into law that modifies the state’s marijuana regulations in a number of ways, including raising the possession threshold and allowing all adult-use dispensaries to serve medical patients.
Current Cannabis Market In Nevada
The Cannabis Compliance Board’s monthly statistics show that from July 2022 to February 2023, revenues totaled $87,661,731 for the fiscal year 2023. While sales for the 2022 fiscal year during that time period were, in contrast, $100,379,173, a 13% decrease.
Current Cannabis Laws In Nevada
Adults 21 years of age and older in Nevada are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana or up to 1/8 of an ounce of cannabis concentrates like hashish.
However, private residences and licensed social-use facilities are the only places you are allowed to possess and use marijuana recreationally.
Only licensed dispensaries are permitted to sell marijuana in Nevada. You are in violation of the law if you ask someone to buy you marijuana from a dispensary and then you pay them back. Your marijuana money for cannabis sales must go straight to the dispensary.
As long as there is no crossing of state lines, you are allowed to drive home with the marijuana after purchasing it. Avoid tearing the package’s seal, and keep it in the trunk instead. If not, you risk receiving a penalty for having an open container. This is a minor offense.
Marijuana Legalization in Nevada
The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act was adopted by Nevada voters on November 8, 2016. As of January 1, 2017, this allowed adults over 21 to legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana in a private residence.
Federal law still considers marijuana possession, regardless of location, to be illegal. As a result, you will get prosecuted for possessing marijuana on federal property, such as:
- airports
- Veterans Administration offices,
- national forests, monuments, and parks
- post offices, and
- federal courthouses
The federal government is unlikely to go after anyone for simple possession, now that President Biden has pardoned federal marijuana possession charges.
Bill SB277 Timeline
The bill was first passed on April 13 after being introduced by Senator Dallas Harris on March 14 and co-sponsored by Senators Edgar Flores, Dina Neal, and Rochelle Nguyen. On April 17, it was then read a second time and referred to the committee. 74% of the filed comments on the bill are in favor, while 25% are against it. And finally, on June 14, 2023, Gov. Joe Lombardo inked the new Nevada Cannabis Reform Law.
About The Law
- Earlier Nevada residents were limited to buying one ounce of marijuana and up to 3.5 grams of concentrate at a time. The legislation increases limits to 2.5 ounces and 8 grams, respectively.
- In order to serve patients, adult-use marijuana dealers no longer require a separate medical cannabis license. Retailers of recreational products automatically hold dual licenses.
- After January 1, 2024, regulators won’t be allowed to issue or renew medical marijuana licenses unless the applicant resides in a jurisdiction that has chosen not to allow adult-use establishments.
- Patients using medical cannabis will not be subject to the state excise tax at recreational retail stores.
- As long as public health and safety are not jeopardized, the legislation also gives the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board the discretion to grant marijuana business licenses to anyone with prior felony convictions.
- The legislation also suggests that the Nevada Uniform Controlled Substances Act and the federal Controlled Substances Act be revoked and that a study be done by the state’s Cannabis Advisory Commission on the implications of such a repeal be undertaken.
What Next
The bill’s full implementation is anticipated to begin on January 1, 2024, however, some provisions go into effect immediately.
