Gov. Sandoval signs dispensary bill into law!
The 2013 legislative session saw great success for sensible marijuana reform in Nevada, with both the Senate and Assembly passing SB 374, a bill that establishes a framework for medical marijuana dispensaries to operate statewide. Republican Governor Brian Sandoval signed the bill into law on June 12, 13 years after voters approved Question 9, a state constitutional amendment mandating that the legislature allow “appropriate methods” of supply for medical marijuana. The new law provides for the creation of up to 66 dispensaries that will be overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. Under the law, dispensaries will be required to adhere to certain regulations, such as growing marijuana in a secure location and maintaining video surveillance on operations.
According to the Nevada Health Division’s latest statistics report, released on August 2, there are currently 4,173 medical marijuana patients who hold cards, 177 caregivers who hold cards for patients, and 442 Nevada physicians who have signed applications. These numbers reflect steady growth in the state’s medical marijuana program. You can access all of the Nevada Medical Marijuana Program’s monthly statistics reports here.
Unfortunately, legislators in this past session were unable to pass two bills that would have established sensible marijuana policy in the state. The first bill, AB 351, would have protected medical marijuana patients from the risk of DUI based solely on the level of THC in their system, regardless of whether they were impaired. The second bill, AB 402, would have taxed and regulated marijuana similarly to alcohol in Nevada. Despite these setbacks, SB 374’s success demonstrates a sea change in Nevada’s stance on marijuana, and the stage is set for marijuana reform in the near future.
Please ask your legislators to follow the leads of Colorado and Washington by replacing prohibition with regulation.
Learn about Nevada's marijuana laws
Nevada is one of the 15 states that have decriminalized personal use marijuana possession. In addition to those 15 states, Washington and Colorado now tax and regulate marijuana for legal use by adults 21 and older. In Nevada, first offense possession of one ounce is punishable by a $600 fine instead of jail time, but it remains a misdemeanor, and the individual is subject to arrest and drug addiction screening that could lead to mandatory treatment and rehabilitation. A second offense carries a $1,000 fine and drug addiction screening. The penalties for third and fourth offenses continue to worsen. Possession of two ounces could land Nevadans in jail for four years!
In spite of its decriminalization, there were still over 9,300 marijuana-related arrests in Nevada in 2011, and nearly 90% of them were for marijuana possession. Most Americans now believe marijuana should be taxed and regulated like alcohol. There is still room for vast improvement in Nevada. Please be sure to ask your legislators legalize marijuana for adults' use and to regulate it like alcohol.
Stay connected
Thank you for supporting MPP. To stay updated on the status of marijuana policy reform in Nevada, be sure to subscribe to MPP's free legislative alert service.
