If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, you may be interested to know that recreational cannabis is legal in Nevada.
In 2016, voters approved the Question 2 ballot initiative, which legalized the sale and use of recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over.
While cannabis is legal statewide, it’s important to note that individual cities and counties can choose to prohibit or regulate the sale and use of marijuana within their borders.
If you’re staying on the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll be pleased to know that the city allows for the sale and consumption of recreational cannabis in licensed dispensaries.
Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know before indulging in Sin City’s newest legal pastime.
When was marijuana legalized in Nevada?
Nevada legalized medicinal cannabis on November 7th, 2000. However, it was not until 15 years later that the first medical marijuana dispensary opened.
On November 8th, 2016, the state passed the Nevada Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Question 2, which legalized cannabis for adults 21 years and older.
This made Nevada one of the states in the US to legalize recreational marijuana.
Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, has its own set of cannabis laws and regulations for cultivation and dispensing.
Since the legalization of cannabis, Nevada has seen a significant increase in tax revenue from the industry.
Is it Legal to Possess Marijuana in Vegas?
If you are 21 years or older, you can legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use in Las Vegas.
Medical marijuana patients with a valid medical marijuana card can also legally purchase marijuana in Nevada if they are at least 18 years old.
However, there are some restrictions on where you can smoke or consume marijuana in Las Vegas.
Where Can You Smoke Marijuana in Las Vegas?
You can only legally consume cannabis on private property.
It is illegal to smoke or consume marijuana in public, in a vehicle, or on any federal land.
You may be at risk of a fine or potential jail-time if you are stopped by a federal officer of any capacity, including federal park rangers.
Unfortunately, a hotel room on the Vegas Strip does not count as a private residence.
Local marijuana tourism sites have compiled lists of cannabis-friendly lodging in Las Vegas, but you may wish to verify this with hotel staff prior to booking.
Because cannabis consumption still isn’t completely legal at the state or federal level, casinos risk losing their gambling license if they were to openly allow patrons to consume marijuana on their premises.
Is it Legal to Drive While Under the Influence of Cannabis?
No, it is not legal to drive while under the influence of cannabis. You may face fines, jail time, or community service.
Cannabis may be transported in a vehicle within the state of Nevada as long as it is in an air-tight container that is not within reach or accessible by anyone in the vehicle.
It is advisable to transport any cannabis products in the trunk of your vehicle.
Taking cannabis products across state lines remains illegal, and would result in a felony conviction if you were arrested for it.
Can I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Las Vegas if I am not from Nevada?
Yes, you can apply for a medical marijuana card in Las Vegas if you are not from Nevada, but you don’t need one to buy weed from local dispensaries, if you have a US drivers license.
However, there are some strict qualifications that you must meet.
In order to receive a medical marijuana card in Nevada if you are an out-of-state resident, you must possess a current, valid MM card from your home state.
Your home state must exempt cardholders from medical marijuana use-related prosecution, require approval from a physician before an MM card may be issued, and maintain an up-to-date MM card database that Nevada state authorities can access in order to verify your home state’s medical marijuana card validity.
Can I Give Marijuana to a Friend?
You can legally gift as much as ½ oz of concentrates or a full ounce of flower to a friend, but your friend cannot legally pay you back for it.
If you accept payment for any marijuana product, it becomes a sales transaction.
Outside of a dispensary, that transaction is still illegal.
Can My Employer Drug Test Me for Smoking Marijuana in Las Vegas?
Yes, your employer can drug test you for smoking marijuana in Las Vegas.
There are no prohibitions against drug-testing in the workplace unless you suspect the testing is because of your race, sex, creed, etc.
If you smoke marijuana in Las Vegas and fly back to your home state, you can tell your employee that it is legal to smoke cannabis in Vegas, but what they choose to do with that information is up to them.
What Does a Minor in Vegas Need to Know About Cannabis?
It is illegal for anyone under 21+ to possess, purchase, or consume marijuana with one exception.
Under 21 medical marijuana patients with a medical marijuana card from their home state or Las Vegas can legally purchase cannabis products.
Minors loitering or entering a cannabis store may receive up to a $500 fine. Falsely representing oneself as 21+ and attempting to purchase marijuana is a misdemeanor charge.
What’s the safest way to store your marijuana?
Make your cannabis purchase kid-proof.
When you’re in Vegas, it’s important to remember that cannabis edibles can look like snacks to children, and older kids with access to their parent’s cannabis products may be tempted to try them.
To avoid any accidents, here are some tips to keep your cannabis purchase kid-proof:
Keep all of your marijuana products in your hotel-room safe.
This is one of the smartest ways to store your cannabis. Set the code at random (as long as you can remember it) and you can rest easy knowing that no one other than yourself will have access to it.
Keep your cannabis products in child-resistant packaging.
There is a range of tamper-proof containers and bags that are very difficult for young children to open. If you don’t have a room-safe, keep your containers in a high, out of the way place.
Only buy what you will consume.
Another option is to only buy what you are going to consume that day. Keep all cannabis products on your person and you can avoid having anything left out that a child or teenager could get into.
It’s also worth noting that the Nevada Government has a great informational resource for parents.
Determining when to and how to talk to a child about drugs and alcohol can be difficult. The roadmap they’ve provided can make these conversations a little bit easier.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your cannabis purchase is stored safely and securely, and that you can enjoy your stay in Vegas without any worries.
