Medical marijuana became legal in many places within the state of Nevada some three years ago. At the beginning of July 2017, changes in the law meant that recreational cannabis dispensaries also became available, and that has helped to encourage a pot tourism boom in Las Vegas and other major cities. However, there is still a lot of confusion out there about the rules and how they apply to locals and tourists. Considering that, this article will provide you with an in-depth guide to the legality of recreational marijuana and set the record straight. The last thing anyone who visits a Las Vegas dispensary wants is to get in trouble with the authorities because they failed to understand the laws that affect their activities.
What’s the difference between recreational and medical marijuana?
Before we get into anything else, it’s important to highlight the differences between recreational and medical marijuana. While most of it gets grown by the same people, there are some subtle ways in which the products are unique. For instance, those who use cannabis for medicinal purposes will often consume concentrates and buds that contain high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. The opposite is true for recreational users who usually prefer to enjoy the psychoactive effects of the plant rather than its healing properties. Of course, both types of users can indulge in any strain or marijuana concoction that suits their fancy. It’s just that people who use the substance for health reasons often want to avoid the “high” feeling others have come to know and love.
So what does the law say?
The law that came into effect in July 2017 states that any person over the age of 21 who presents valid and legal identification documents can purchase cannabis products in regions approved to sell the drug for recreational purposes. The Nevada regions of Henderson City and the Green Valley opposed the move initially and voted against the bill. That meant people living in those areas could not purchase or consume recreational marijuana. Thankfully, as of October 2017, that all changed and residents and visitors to both of those locations can now get hold of legal pot.
How does the law affect tourists?
When the recreational marijuana regulations first came to pass, there was a lot of confusion relating to how the rules affect tourists and their cannabis purchases. It is now widely accepted that anyone over the age of 21, regardless of their country of origin, can now purchase cannabis freely from a dispensary without any concerns. Those over the age of 18 can even get hold of the plant if they have a valid medical marijuana license. So, the next time you find yourself in Las Vegas, just walk into the best recreational cannabis dispensary you can see like Planet 13, and ask the budtender to give you a hand choosing the most suitable products for your requirements.
How much marijuana can people buy?
The laws in Nevada state that tourists and residents can only purchase up to a single ounce of marijuana in each transaction. In most instances, an ounce of cannabis from a recreational dispensary is more than enough to keep the average user going for a week or more.
Knowing your limits:
There are limits to how much marijuana a person can possess and carry in the state of Nevada, and the amounts depend on the individual and their reason for purchasing the plant and its concentrates. Those who hold a medical card and use cannabis for health purposes can possess up to two and a half ounces of the product at any one time. They can also have 10,000 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrates without getting into trouble with the authorities. Those limits decrease for people who purchase their marijuana from recreational dispensaries where you are legally allowed to carry one ounce and 2,975 milligrams of concentrates.
How much does marijuana cost?
That all depends on the amount you want to buy, the strain you choose, and whether or not you opt for a product that contains concentrates. Prices for recreational pot are predictably high due to the novelty of the concept at the moment. However, it is not unaffordable, and people who wish to try it are not going to break the bank. Prices for those with official medical cards are around $30 to $60 for ⅛ of an ounce. Recreational buds can cost anywhere up to $80 per ⅛ of an ounce, and up to $400 for a full ounce.
When and where can tourists use marijuana?
Residents of Las Vegas just have to purchase their cannabis from a recreational dispensary, and they are then free to take it home and enjoy the product. However, things are a lot more complicated for tourists who might struggle to find somewhere suitable and safe to indulge. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to smoke pot or consume any marijuana products outside or on the strip. That includes inside casinos, theaters, and other venues. You’ll also struggle to find any hotel owners who will let you consume the product on their premises. There are often harsh fines and charges if you break the rules, and you might even get into trouble with the police.
In most instances, the law states that anyone in the city who wants to consume cannabis products must do so on private property. That can become somewhat of an issue if you don’t have any friends living in the area who you can visit after buying your Las Vegas cannabis. Proposed laws are pushing toward legal cannabis lounges and social clubs. They would be the best places for tourists to visit if they don’t own private property and they want to try some of the many recreational products available from the biggest and best dispensaries.
What are the rules about cannabis use and driving?
While the law states anyone over the age of twenty-one can use marijuana products from their favorite dispensaries on private property, that rule does not extend to cars or other automobiles. Even though you might own the vehicle, the law is clear in its stance. If you consume pot in a car at the side of the road, you’ll probably face a $1000 fine, and you might even have to spend time in jail. Don’t do it!
There are some other elements to the law that all tourists should consider if they plan to visit a Las Vegas dispensary. According to experts, it is legal to transport cannabis in your car if the substance is locked away and out of reach of the driver and any minors in the vehicle. Still, you have to make sure the cannabis is stored in an airtight container, or you could get into trouble. Just don’t start thinking that you can drive around the country with the cannabis you purchase in Las Vegas. That is also illegal. You are not allowed to take any pot products out of the state, and you can’t bring any in either.
If you can buy more than one ounce in multiple purchases, are there time limits?
While recreational and medical users can purchase more than the recommended amount in multiple transactions, it’s never sensible to do so. Only those with medical cannabis licenses should do that because it’s somewhat of a grey area under the law. Those who can present a medical card can purchase up to 2.5 ounces within a fourteen day period. That should be more than enough to provide those people with the pain relief and other benefits they require from the plant. If you’re visiting Las Vegas on a tourist visa or traveling from other US states for recreational purchases, make sure you never have more than one ounce in your pocket. It’s just not worth the risk.
What Las Vegas dispensary should tourists visit to purchase marijuana in Las Vegas?
Planet 13 is one of the biggest and best cannabis dispensaries in Las Vegas at the moment, and there are plenty of others out there too. Tourists who want to find the best places to purchase marijuana products just need to search online or download a guide before they arrive in the city. As cannabis is now legal for recreational purposes, you’ll never have to travel far to find delicious edibles, tasty vapes, and mind-blowing buds.
There are limits set by the government concerning the opening and closing times of dispensaries in the state of Nevada. In Las Vegas, business owners can now sell their products from 24/7 and most of them will stay open all night. That means you’ll never struggle to find cannabis early in the morning or late in the evening, and there is no need to rush to make your purchases.
What type of ID is suitable for buying cannabis at a Las Vegas dispensary?
In most situations, any form of official photo ID is more than enough to buy cannabis in a Las Vegas dispensary. So, most tourists will probably choose to take their passports along to their chosen dispensary. However, US residents coming from other states can use their valid driving licenses too. Some businesses might accept alternative means of identification depending on their nature. Still, those who want a smooth ride and don’t want to encounter any stumbling blocks should make sure they take a passport or driving license.
Can tourists purchase marijuana from residents who grow it?
No! Recreational dispensaries are the only places you are legally allowed to buy cannabis products in the state of Nevada and the city of Las Vegas. Some rules apply to local residents that determine how much of the plant they are permitted to grow. People living within twenty-five miles of a dispensary are not allowed to grow anything at the moment. However, those living in rural areas can grow up to six plants per person or a total of twelve per household. Most of those people will have no interest in selling their crops to tourists because they use the plant for medicinal or recreational purposes at home.
However, if you encounter someone willing to sell you cannabis on the street, it’s sensible to walk in the opposite direction. All sales of cannabis products outside of dispensaries could result in you having to pay a substantial fine and spend time at the police station. Nobody wants to do that while they’re trying to enjoy an exciting vacation with their friends or family, right?
You should now have all the information you need to ensure you understand the legal marijuana laws in Las Vegas, and you can have a fantastic experience without putting yourself on the wrong side of the law. Just seek out the largest cannabis dispensary on the Vegas strip and take a look inside. The budtenders working at those places will cater to your every need and provide all the advice and guidance you might require. The Planet 13 dispensary is a top choice for many visitors to the city, and you should be sure to stop by during your stay.
