In the Nov. 8, 2016 election, Nevada was one of several states that voted to legalize recreational marijuana, making it legal – after Jan. 1, 2017 — for anyone over the age of 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. Although the new law won’t be regulated by the state of Nevada for several months, here are some facts you may want to know.
- A 15 percent excise tax plus fees and licensing for dispensaries, and according to some estimates will generate $20 million for schools.
- All marijuana must be grown in Nevada, even though California passed a recreational marijuana initiative Nov. 8 as well.
- Marijuana dispensaries will be allocated by county size. Once regulated, with 80 to Clark County, 20 to Washoe County, four to Carson City and two to the other 14 counties.
- Nevada is one of the 28 states that have decriminalized the personal use marijuana possession. Four of those states – Washington, Colorado, Alaska, and Oregon – have adopted laws that legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana for recreational use for adults 21 and older.
- Although Nevada is considered a “decriminalization” state, simple possession of more than one ounce of marijuana (or two-and-a-half ounces for medical marijuana patient) can still be penalized.
- A person 21 years or older can possess one ounce or less for marijuana, other than concentrated marijuana, and only one-eighth of an ounce or less for concentrated marijuana. Many people use only the concentrated extracts, so it is important to make sure they know they can only have one-eighth of an ounce.
- Anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen and uses medical or recreational marijuana runs an extremely high risk that their immigration status or visa, whether they be lawful permanent resents, DACA children, illegal or on a visa, may have their immigration status revoked, terminated and/or affected negatively in some way. Immigration does not recognize the state laws on marijuana, and visitors can be deported or lose the ability to visit the U.S.
Winter Street Law Group provides consult on civil and criminal matters and can help explain laws that regulate marijuana use. Call 775-786-5800, or visit www.winterstreetlawgroup.com, for more information.
