If you’ve been living under a rock, it’s been legal to buy, consume, and possess cannabis for recreational purposes in Nevada since way back in 2017. Whether you’re visiting or a local wanting to brush up, it’s essential to note that weed laws differ across states. Even in Nevada, different cities, such as Las Vegas, have varying regulations.
Here is a rundown of all the critical components of Nevada’s and Las Vegas’ cannabis regulations, including how much you can possess, where it’s legal to buy and more.
History of Cannabis Laws in Nevada
In the early 20th century, cannabis was legal in Nevada and the rest of the United States. It was only in 1917 that the state started passing legislation that banned the non-medical use of cannabis. This eventually evolved into lawmakers classifying cannabis as a narcotic drug under the Regulating Use and Possession of Narcotic Drugs Bill.
Over the preceding decades, Nevada passed several bills imposing stricter penalties for cannabis-related offenses. While there was an attempt to decriminalize simple cannabis possession in 1977, it was unsuccessful. The prohibition on marijuana possession and use, whether medical or recreational, remained a strictly enforced state and federal law.
But then the legislative winds changed. Nevada voters approved the Nevada Medical Marijuana Act in two consecutive elections in 1998 and 2000, legalizing medical cannabis. This evolved into Assembly Bill 453, which decriminalized cannabis possession from a felony to a misdemeanor for up to one ounce of flower.
In 2013, after significant grassroots efforts, Senate Bill 374 passed, which established a framework for medical cannabis dispensaries. The first licensed medical cannabis dispensary opened in Nevada two years later.
In 2016, recreational marijuana was on the ballot. It passed easily, and in 2017, Nevada joined a growing number of states to allow the sale of recreational marijuana to adults over the age of 21. The latest development in this century-long saga was in 2021, when the state legalized licensed cannabis consumption lounges.
Nevada’s approach (and therefore Las Vegas’) to cannabis has evolved from strict prohibition to a regulated legal market for both medical and recreational use.
Cannabis Possession and Consumption in Nevada
While the history of cannabis in the state is fascinating, what is of more importance to anyone living or visiting here is the current rules about where you can consume cannabis and how much you can possess.
How Much Can You Buy and Possess?
In Nevada, adults 21 and older can buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or 0.25 ounces of THC concentrate. These new increased limits were enacted on January 1, 2024, as part of Senate Bill 277, signed into law in 2023. (Previously, the limits were one ounce of flower and 1/8 ounce of concentrate.)
Where Can You Consume?
If you are wandering around the streets of Las Vegas, keep in mind that the public use and consumption of marijuana is prohibited. You can legally consume cannabis only on private property. This means that even if you have a pack of gummies in your pocket or a vape in your purse, it’s illegal to use or consume marijuana on a public street, in public buildings, or on federal property. This includes the Vegas Strip and casinos.
If your visit to Vegas includes cannabis, keep it extremely discreet or stick with a licensed marijuana consumption lounge. If you want to smoke or vape at your hotel or Airbnb, we’d highly recommend checking their policies first.
Finally, there are exceptions to drug paraphernalia laws to allow adults 21 and older to legally make, possess, use, transport or buy marijuana paraphernalia. Using marijuana paraphernalia in public is still illegal and subject to civil penalties.
Can You Grow Marijuana in Nevada?
Yes, you can grow cannabis in Nevada! Adults 21 and older can legally grow up to six plants per person, with a maximum of 12 plants per household. There are increased limits for medical marijuana patients who live long distances from a medical dispensary.
What if you don’t own where you are growing? If you rent, make sure to get permission from the property owner. But no matter where you grow, marijuana plants must be in an enclosed, locked area not visible to the public.
If you are thinking about trying your hand at growing cannabis in the state, double-check your local jurisdiction, as there may be additional restrictions on home cultivation.
Medical Marijuana Laws in Nevada
Although many people have pivoted to buying cannabis through recreational dispensaries, medical marijuana remains an alternative way for patients to access cannabis for therapeutic purposes.
In Nevada, any resident with a state-issued driver’s license or ID can apply for a medical marijuana card. There are no age restrictions, but patients under 18 require a caregiver. The medical marijuana recommendation must come from a licensed Nevada physician, and the patient must have a qualifying medical condition:
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Cancer
- Cachexia
- Glaucoma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Severe pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
- Persistent muscle spasms, including those caused by multiple sclerosis
Recreational Cannabis Laws in Las Vegas
Unsurprisingly, most of Nevada’s laws about cannabis apply in Las Vegas. To start, in Las Vegas, only licensed dispensaries can sell cannabis, and they can only sell to adults over the age of 21. Just like the state at large, possession limits are set at 2.5 ounces of flower or 1/4 of an ounce of THC concentrates.
Dispensaries on the Las Vegas Strip
One of the most noticeable differences between Las Vegas and other Nevada cities is that there are no dispensaries downtown, also known as the Strip. Local regulations state that dispensaries are not allowed directly on the Las Vegas Strip because they are prohibited near casinos and because Las Vegas wants to keep it a family-friendly zone.
Cannabis Consumption Lounges in Las Vegas
Las Vegas legalized consumption lounges in 2023. The city’s rules state that lounges must be 1,500 feet from a casino and 1,000 feet from each other. You won’t be able to drink or purchase alcohol in these spaces, and all smoking, vaping, and consumption must occur indoors unless special approval is granted for outdoor consumption.
Currently, Clark County, Las Vegas, Washoe County, Storey County, and Nye County are the only local governments in Nevada working on approval processes. Remember: Public consumption is prohibited but will be allowed in these lounges.
Safety and Responsibility With Cannabis in Nevada
No matter your recreational substance of choice, it is illegal to drive under the influence in Nevada. This includes recreational and medical marijuana.
When it comes to cannabis, there are two laws which apply:
- Impairment DUI: Driving while impaired by marijuana
- Per se DUI: Driving with specific levels of THC in blood (now only applies to felony cases)
How does Nevada law enforcement prove impairment? Evidence can include officer observations, driving behavior, field sobriety tests, and blood test results. Penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana are very similar to alcohol DUI penalties, where the first offense could result in anything from jail time to community service to license suspension.
These are the state laws, but interpretation and enforcement may vary. Anyone facing marijuana DUI charges should consult with a legal professional familiar with Nevada’s current laws and practices.
Safe Storage and Handling of Cannabis Products
There are rules around storing cannabis, which are particularly important for anyone who lives with or is traveling with children.
Nevada mandates that all legal cannabis comes with child-resistant packaging, which is difficult for children to open. It must also have opaque packaging so you cannot see what’s inside. This protects consumer privacy and prevents accidental consumption by children or pets.
You may have noticed that we put everything in an exit bag when you buy from Cookies. This is because Nevada regulations require all cannabis products to be placed in exit bags before leaving a licensed dispensary.
When at home, keep your cannabis products in a locked area that is not visible to the public. If you are in a hotel, that means your hotel room safe. Keep everything out of view and out of the hands of children and pets.
Takeaway: Cannabis Is Legal in Las Vegas
Whether you live in Las Vegas or you’re just visiting, the takeaway from all this is that for adults over 21, cannabis is legal to possess and consume (just check for specific details with the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board, as rules can change).
Ready to experience all that Las Vegas has to offer — including legal weed? Visit Cookies Flamingo, where we offer a wide range of high-end flower, concentrates, edibles, and more. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect product for your needs. Stop by today and discover why Cookies Flamingo is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
