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Nevada Medical Marijuana Law
Nevada is one of several states in the United States with an active medical marijuana program and marijuana sales for adult use. Cannabis continues to be supported by advocates in an effort to increase accessibility and enhance patient quality of life. In order to reflect medical marijuana’s growing acceptance and protect patients’ rights, lawmakers updated the state’s medical marijuana program.
Joining the state’s medical marijuana registry entitles Nevadans with qualifying medical conditions to buy marijuana from authorized dispensaries and enjoy more rights and privileges than citizens who only use cannabis recreationally.
The background of marijuana law in Nevada, pertinent laws, and the application procedure for a medical marijuana card are all covered in this article. Medical marijuana may change your life if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a chronic condition.
You can get the products that are best for you without breaking any state laws by learning about the Nevada program and the differences between the state’s laws regarding marijuana for medical use and those regarding cannabis for recreational use.
Nevada Medical Marijuana Law History
In 2000, voters in Nevada approved a ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to legalize medical marijuana. Despite popular demand, lawmakers spent the following 14 years debating how to run a medical program, which slowed down the legislative progress. This delay made it illegal for Nevadans to buy regulated and safe medical marijuana products.
In 2014, the state finally passed SB 374. This cannabis law established a regulatory body as well as the framework for growers and dispensaries. Things moved quickly, and in July 2015, medical marijuana was first sold legally.
In 2016, Nevada started accepting applications for medical marijuana cards online. Subsequent updates to the program by the state have included a prohibition against employers rejecting applicants due to positive marijuana tests. In order to protect patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers started allowing home delivery of medical marijuana and telehealth visits in 2020.
In November 2016, the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act was approved by voters, legalizing marijuana for adult use. In 2020, the state created the Cannabis Compliance Board, which assumed control of the medical program’s administration.
To safeguard patients’ ability to use cannabis to treat their symptoms, Nevada eliminated sales taxes on medical cannabis products and increased cultivation and possession restrictions.
Marijuana Possession Laws in Nevada
Holders of medical marijuana cards are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or its equivalent in edibles in Nevada. Patients must buy the products from dispensaries with state licenses. If a patient lives more than 25 miles from a dispensary or if their doctor suggests a strain that is not widely accessible, they may also grow up to 12 mature plants.
Up to one ounce of cannabis and one-eighth ounce of cannabis concentrate are legal for adults over 21 to own. If a person does not have access to a medical marijuana dispensary, they are only permitted to grow up to six marijuana plants at home for recreational purposes.
Nevada Public Consumption Laws
Cannabis use is prohibited in public areas and while driving in Nevada. Patients who use medical marijuana are not exempt from this rule. Cannabis use is only permitted on private property, such as a person’s home, with the owner’s consent.
A law allowing the operation of public consumption lounges was passed in Nevada in late 2022. It is anticipated that the first of these regulated facilities will debut in the summer of 2023.
Nevada Cannabis DUI Laws
Regardless of whether you have an MMJ card, it is illegal to drive in Nevada while under the influence of cannabis. Even if the driver does not appear to be under the influence of marijuana to law enforcement, having more than 5 ng/ml of marijuana metabolites in the blood is a minimum misdemeanor offense.
A mandatory substance abuse education program, up to six months in jail or 96 hours of community service, and a maximum fine of $1,000 are the penalties for first offenses. Increased penalties such as up to six years in prison are imposed for subsequent offenses.
Applying for a Nevada Medical Marijuana Card?
Creating an online account or downloading the paper application is the first step in getting a medical marijuana card in Nevada. You can then make an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor, during which the doctor will issue an Attending Healthcare Provider Statement. This document certifies your right to use medical marijuana and lists the cannabis varieties and preparation methods you may employ.
A completed acknowledgment form confirming your enrollment must also be signed and notarized. Many medical offices have on-site notaries to assist you in filling out the paperwork. Once you have them all, you can either mail them to the Division of Public and Behavioral Health’s Medical Marijuana Registry at 4126 Technology Way, Suite 100, Carson City, NV 89706 or upload them to the portal.
Medical marijuana recommendations from doctors are not guaranteed. Online applications are the quickest route to approval and the ability to start buying marijuana. The Sanctuary Wellness Institute is aware of the requirements and application process in Nevada. We can address your eligibility concerns and make a recommendation for a qualified medical marijuana practitioner.
Once you have your doctor’s statement, we can advise you on gathering the required paperwork and walk you through the online application process. To ensure that your initial application is approved as quickly as possible, we can help you make sure it is accurate and complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recreational marijuana legal in Nevada?
Yes, but Nevada marijuana shops accept cash only from customers who are over 21. Being a medical marijuana patient is still worthwhile even though smoking marijuana recreationally is legal. It is crucial to discuss cannabis with a doctor if you want to use it to treat the symptoms of a qualifying condition in order to rule out any risks and make sure it can be helpful. Among the qualifying conditions in Nevada are cachexia, glaucoma, and muscle spasms.
Cardholders are exempt from marijuana use taxes and are permitted to grow and possess more cannabis than non-cardholders. Some dispensaries also only cater to medical patients. Compared to recreational products, medical marijuana is offered in a wider range of potencies. You can find the best product to treat your symptoms thanks to this access.
What products can registered patients and caregivers legally possess?
Flowers, concentrates, capsules, tinctures, edibles, topicals, suppositories, and transdermal patches are all available for purchase in Nevada. Every 14 days, cardholders are allowed to buy the equivalent of 2.5 ounces of marijuana.
Only goods bought from a marijuana dispensary with a license are legal for patients and caregivers to possess.
What products are illegal for registered patients and caregivers to possess?
You are not legally allowed to have more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana or cannabis that was purchased from an unregistered dispensary or private party.
Is there a limit on the amount of product a patient can possess?
If you meet the requirements for home cultivation, you are allowed to keep up to two and a half ounces of marijuana and 12 plants as a cardholder.
Does Nevada offer out-of-state reciprocity?
Yes. Valid medical marijuana identification cards from any state with an active medical marijuana program are accepted at Nevada dispensaries. It is best to call ahead to confirm dispensary inventory and policies if you intend to travel to Nevada. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, so it is not allowed to cross state lines.
Can you get a medical marijuana card with a felony in Nevada?
You cannot get a medical marijuana card in Nevada if you have been convicted of drug sales or drug possession while incarcerated.