[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]C[/dropcap]annabis patients may be overjoyed to hear Nevada is one of the few states to allow out-of-state medical cannabis licenses at its five Vegas-area and two Northern Nevada dispensaries.

Most travelers think of the glitz of Las Vegas and its surrounding desert towns when considering hitting Nevada for some down time. In winter, however, Nevada’s mountain cities such as Lake Tahoe, Reno and Sparks are the places to be for skiing, snowboarding and winter’s many other recreational activities.

Nevada’s mountain towns celebrate January in grand style. Don’t miss the Fire & Ice Show in Ely. This snow and ice sculpture competition runs this year from January 15-17 and includes lots of food and drink, an ice fishing derby, rides on a historic “ghost trains,” sledding and ice skating. The weekend-long festivities are capped by a grand fireworks display set against the town’s snowy wonderland.

Although the Lake Tahoe side of Nevada (only a 45-minute drive from Reno) does not have a cannabis dispensary, the city’s ski resorts are brimming with the best of winter fun and frolic. For example, Tahoe’s Diamond Peak Ski Resort celebrates every Saturday in January (and through April) with “last tracks.” Guests start at the resort’s mid-mountain Snowflake Lodge—which has an incredibly scenic view of Lake Tahoe—and sip on fine wines and craft brews paired with delicious appetizers at sunset. After drinks and apps, skiers then hit the slopes for the final run of the day down the resort’s perfectly-groomed trails.

Wherever you decide to medicate in Nevada, winter’s chill seems just a little more exciting.

IF YOU GO:

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]Y[/dropcap]es, you really can fly or drive into Las Vegas and then buy your buds and edibles—if you remember to bring a government-issued form of identification that shows you are 21 and older and your up-to-date medical cannabis license. The Vegas area has five dispensaries including Euphoria Wellness, Nevada Wellness Center, Las Vegas Releaf, Inyo Fine Cannabis Dispensary and Nevada Pure. Sparks and Reno have one dispensary each in Silver State Relief and Sierra Wellness Connection, respectively. Nevada’s medical cannabis program is regulated by the state’s Division of Public & Behavioral Health and recognizes the following conditions for a MMJ license: AIDS, cachexia, cancer, glaucoma, PTSD, muscle spasms or seizures and severe nausea or pain. Plus, Nevada’s cannabis states “other conditions are subject to approval,” which opens the door for just about everyone with a chronic health problem. Inside a dispensary, cannabis patients can purchase a maximum 2.5 oz. of flower buds and a rather ambiguous “allowable” quantity of edibles and other THC-infused products.

Time to Go: Spring or Winter.

Weather: Mild with cool breezes in Spring; cold with some snow in Winter.

Budget: $$$$$

Fun-Filled Facts:

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap radius”]1[/dropcap] The small Southern Nevada town of Sparks was the first city in Nevada to open a dispensary (Silver State Relief). While that may sound strange, it makes perfect sense when you realize the infamous Mustang Ranch brothel is located on the town’s east end.

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap radius”]2[/dropcap] Want to hit The Strip and ski in the same day? In-the-know locals go to Lee Canyon. Only an hour’s drive from Vegas proper, Lee Canyon is located just north of Mount Charleston. Although Lee Canyon has a rather small ski facility, this resort sits higher than any other ski resort in the state at 8,510 feet—giving it some of the best “dry” powder in the state.