LAWS

• Purchasing Cannabis
  In Nevada, only marijuana products purchased at a state-licensed retail store or dispensary are legal. Buying marijuana products from any other source is illegal, and a person could face criminal charges if arrested. Only adults 21 or older can purchase marijuana with the proper ID.
• Possessing Cannabis
  According to the Cannabis Compliance Board for the State of Nevada, adults aged 21 and over are legally allowed to possess:
  • Up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis.
  • Up to 1/4 ounce of concentrated cannabis(the crude or purified separated resin from marijuana)
• Consuming Cannabis
  Adults aged 21 and older can only use marijuana products on private property, and only if the property owner permits it. Many apartments and condominium complexes prohibit cannabis use, and renters of private homes should follow the guidelines set by the leasing agent or homeowner. It is illegal to use cannabis in public places, in moving vehicles, and on federal land, such as national parks and military bases.

With the legalization of recreational cannabis, some people are choosing to grow their own plants at home. Adults 21 and older can legally grow cannabis for personal use if they follow these guidelines:

• Are more than 25 miles from a state-licensed retail cannabis store or dispensary.
• Possess up to 6 plants per person (with a maximum of 12 plants per household).
• Grow plants in an enclosed area (such as a locked closet, room, or greenhouse) with a lock or other security device.
• Conceal plants from public view.
• Own or have the property owner’s permission to grow cannabis there.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and dangerous. Any amount of cannabis can cause impairment, making it a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

It is illegal to use cannabis in a moving vehicle, even if you’re a passenger. Under Nevada Law (NRS 484C.110), drivers with two nanograms of active THC in their system are considered to be driving under the influence (DUI). However, arrests are based on observed impairment by law enforcement, and offenders are subject to the same penalties as those for alcohol-impaired driving.

Anyone with a medical cannabis card issued by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health can also be prosecuted if they drive any vehicle (car, boat, plane, motorcycle, etc.) while under the influence of cannabis.

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy, possess, or use recreational cannabis. Adults also cannot provide cannabis products to anyone under 21.

The only exception is for medical use, which requires a valid medical cannabis card.

If someone attempts to falsify their age to obtain cannabis, they can be fined up to $500 and charged with a misdemeanor, especially if they enter a cannabis establishment without being a legal medical cardholder.

In 2021, Assembly Bill 341 was signed into law, allowing the licensing and regulation of cannabis consumption lounges in Nevada. This permits the purchase and public consumption of cannabis at designated lounges. The Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) issued the first license in 2022, and the first lounge became operational in 2023. For more information, visit the Cannabis Compliance Board State of Nevada website.
Consumption Lounge Visitor Information:

• Must be 21 or older to enter.
• Visitors must purchase cannabis within the lounge. Personal cannabis cannot be brought in.
• Cannabis sales are limited to single-use or ready-to-consume products not exceeding 3.5 grams per consumer.
• Cannabis products cannot be removed from the lounge.
• Consumption is allowed only in designated areas out of public view.
• No alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, or firearms are allowed on-site.
• Use or consumption of cannabis by anyone visibly overconsumed is not permitted.
• Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal.
• Loitering is prohibited.

2000: Voters approved a ballot initiative legalizing medical cannabis.

2013: Nevada’s legislature enacted a law expanding the state’s existing medical cannabis program.

2016: Voters approved Ballot Question 2, the Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana.

2017: As a result, on January 1, 2017, the purchase, possession, and consumption of recreational cannabis by adults became legal in Nevada.

2020: On July 1, 2020, the administration of the adult-use cannabis program was transferred from the Cannabis Compliance Board to the Department of Taxation.

2021: Assembly Bill 341 was signed into law, legalizing cannabis consumption lounges in Nevada.

2023: Senate Bill 277 was signed into law, raising the possession limits for adult-use cannabis to 2.5 ounces (from 1 ounce) for cannabis flower and ¼ ounce (from ⅛ ounce) for concentrate. This law took effect on January 1, 2024.

Know What’s Legal Marijuana Policy Project Nevada Marijuana in Nevada State of Nevada Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know Cannabis Consumption Lounges