Cannabis: Adult vs. Medical Use

Adult use

On November 8, 2016, Nevada voters passed the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (Ballot Question 2). The Act legalized the purchase, possession, and consumption of adult use cannabis for adults 21 and older. Even though cannabis became legal on January 1, 2017, how a consumer buys it, how much they can have at one time, and where they can use it are still restricted by the law.

The legalization of adult-use cannabis did not change the medical cannabis program.

As of July 1, 2020, the adult-use cannabis program is administered by the Cannabis Compliance Board. From July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2020, the adult-use cannabis program was administered by the Department of Taxation.

The Nevada Adult-Use Cannabis Program is governed by Title 56 Nevada Revised Statutes 678A-B, D.

Medical Use

On November 8, 2016, Nevada voters passed the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (Ballot Question 2). The Act legalized the purchase, possession, and consumption of adult-use cannabis for adults 21 and older. Even though cannabis became legal on January 1, 2017, how a consumer buys it, how much they can have at one time, and where they can use it are still restricted by the law.

The legalization of adult-use cannabis did not change the medical cannabis program.

The Nevada Medical Cannabis Program is governed by Title 56 Nevada Revised Statutes 678A‐678C and Nevada Cannabis Compliance Regulations (NCCR) 453A.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy, possess, or use retail cannabis.

Possible penalties for any person under 21 who:

Falsely represents himself or herself to be 21 years of age or older to obtain cannabis is guilty of a misdemeanor
Knowingly enters, loiters, or remains on the premises of a cannabis establishment, like a retail store, can be punished by a fine of up to $500 (except for legal medical cannabis cardholders)

It is against the law for any state-licensed cannabis establishments to provide cannabis to anyone under 21 (except for medical cardholders)

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) administers the Medical Marijuana Patient Cardholder Registry. To obtain information regarding or to apply for a Medical Marijuana Patient Card please visit DPBH.