Recreational Pot Is Officially Legal in Nevada

Beginning Sunday, recreational cannabis became legal for adults over the age of 21 in the state of Nevada. Nevada’s Ballot Question 2 passed in November with 54.5 percent of the vote.

Effective immediately, Nevada residents have the right to possess up to an ounce of cannabis and up to an eighth-ounce of concentrates per visit to a dispensary. Residents are permitted to have up to six cannabis plants at home- so long as you don’t live within a 25-mile radius of a dispensary. If that’s the case, then you’ll have to destroy your plants, or face penalty. Those who live in Las Vegas Valley have a slim chance of meeting that criteria.

Purchasing cannabis at a recreational store is another story. Recreational stores won’t open until June, when recreational guidelines have been established. “Most people think it’ll be legal to purchase on Sunday, but unfortunately that’s not the case,” State Senator Tick Segerblom told The Las Vegas Sun. Segerbloom helped establish medical cannabis regulations three years ago in Nevada.

Clark County will see up to 80 recreational licenses for dispensaries, cultivation and production. Washoe County will have up to 20 recreational cannabis licenses. To put into perspective, 12 of Nevada’s 16 counties have already moved forward in banning medical cannabis dispensaries. The qualifications for obtaining a recreational cannabis license have yet to be determined. Smoking at home is legal, however, in any county. The new law will not effect drug-free workplaces or restrictions imposed by the Transportation Security Administration. Employers in Nevada have the right to fire employees for smoking cannabis on or off the clock.

Don’t plan on driving high in Nevada. Law enforcement is expected to be extra vigilant. “Marijuana, alcohol it doesn’t matter. If you’re under the influence you’re under the influence and you’ll get a DUI,” Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Jason Buratczuk told ABC3 News. Metro police officer Sergeant Jon David explained that local police plan on cracking down on drugged drivers the same way they handle drunk drivers. Educating yourself about Nevada’s cannabis laws will keep yourself out of trouble with the law. More organization is needed to clarify the specifics of Nevada’s recreational cannabis law.