Cannabis in Nevada

Medical marijuana was approved by voters in 2000, and in 2016, voters approved adult-use marijuana. Legal recreational sales began in 2017.

Overview of Key Nevada Cannabis Laws

Is medical cannabis allowed? Yes

Is adult-use cannabis allowed? Yes

Personal Laws

Cannabis has been decriminalized in Nevada, and people age 21 or older in the state can possess and grow it for medical and recreational use within certain limits. They can also gift up to one ounce of cannabis (or up to 1/8 ounce of concentrated cannabis) for no remuneration.

Personal Possession

Overall Possession: Up to 1 oz. (possessing more than one ounce is penalized as a misdemeanor with no jail time and a fine of up to $600)

Concentrates Possession: Up to 3.5 grams of concentrated marijuana

Registered Medical Marijuana Patient Possession: Up to 2.5 oz. of usable marijuana in any one 14-day period

Non-Nevada Resident Possession: The same possession limits for residents apply for non-residents. For medical marijuana purchases, patients with government-issued medical marijuana cards from their resident states may purchase from medical marijuana dispensaries in Nevada.

Personal Growing

Nevada residents age 21 and older can grow up to six cannabis plants if they live 25 miles or more from a licensed and operating store. A single residence may not have more than 12 cannabis plants. Registered medical cannabis patients may grow up to 12 plants.

Adult-Use Growing: No more than 6 plants

Registered Medical Marijuana Patient Growing: No more than 12 plants

Medical Cannabis Patient Qualification and Registry

Patients are required to register for the state’s Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry and renew the registration each year. Patients must have a qualifying condition and receive a medical marijuana certification from their doctor. Medical cannabis patients can purchase marijuana products from dispensaries or registered caregivers. Each patient may have one designated caregiver.

Qualifying medical conditions include:

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Cancer
Glaucoma
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Cachexia (general physical wasting and malnutrition from chronic disease)
Persistent muscle spasms (including multiple sclerosis)
Seizures (including epilepsy)
Severe nausea
Severe pain (the most commonly reported condition)
Additional conditions, subject to approval by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (NPBH)

Business Laws

Vertical integration or “license stacking” is allowed at the state level, which means a company can hold multiple licenses across the Nevada supply chain (e.g., both cultivation and dispensary licenses). However, this may vary by locality. Residency is not required to apply for a cannabis business license in Nevada.

License Types

Medical Marijuana Dispensary Certificate
Medical Marijuana Cultivation Certificate
Medical Marijuana Production Certificate
Medical Marijuana Laboratory Certificate
Recreational Marijuana Dispensary License
Recreational Marijuana Cultivation License
Recreational Marijuana Production License
Recreational Marijuana Laboratory License
Recreational Marijuana Distributor License

License Fees

Medical Marijuana Dispensary: $5,000 application fee and $30,000 license fee

Medical Marijuana Cultivation: $5,000 application fee and $3,000 license fee

Medical Marijuana Production: $5,000 application fee and $3,000 license fee

Medical Marijuana Laboratory: $5,000 application fee and $5,000 license fee

Recreational Marijuana Dispensary: $5,000 application fee and $20,000 license fee

Recreational Marijuana Cultivation: $5,000 application fee and $30,000 license fee

Recreational Marijuana Production: $5,000 application fee and $10,000 license fee

Recreational Marijuana Laboratory: $5,000 application fee and $15,000 license fee

Recreational Marijuana Distributor: $5,000 application fee and $15,000 license fee

License Timeline

The State of Nevada Department of Taxation is not currently accepting applications for medical or recreational licenses. The Department issues a 45-day notice prior to the opening of an application period.

Testing

Testing is required of cannabis in Nevada.

Training

Nevada does not require that license holders attend specific training.

Learn More about Cannabis in Nevada and How to Work or Start a Business in the Nevada Cannabis Industry

Leafy Green Agency offers a variety of certification seminars for people who want to start businesses, find jobs, get promotions, or invest in the cannabis industry in Nevada and across the country. Follow the link to register for an upcoming seminar.

Sources and More Information

Data current as of 12/20/19.