When coming up with ideas for articles that would make up this site, the first thing that came to mind was probably what a lot of you reading this article right now are wondering: What are the laws surrounding cannabis in Las Vegas? What should I keep in mind as a recreational user? What are some safe spaces where I can enjoy this lovely plant? For this article, we’re going to dive into the history of cannabis usage within the state, look at the laws now applicable to recreational users, and then briefly cover places where you can enjoy cannabis products in peace.

To look at the history of Nevada’s legal relationship with marijuana, we don’t have to go very far back. In 2000, Nevadans voted for the legalization of medical cannabis, however, the program didn’t include access to safe and regulated spaces to obtain it until 2014. In 2016, Nevadans voted to approve the Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana, making it the eighth state to do so. Prior to this, Nevada had some of the toughest laws on marijuana in the country, being the only state where the possession of any amount of cannabis was a felony offense.

What about modern day? As of writing this article, recreational cannabis laws allow any person over the age of 21 to legally possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana or ¼ ounce of THC concentrate. Only licensed dispensaries can sell marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia, with heavy penalties still in effect for businesses that attempt to sell these items illegally. Smoking marijuana in public is still illegal. If you live over 25 miles from the nearest dispensary, you are permitted to grow up to six plants without a commercial license. The law is always changing; therefore, it is important to always check for these updates before making any decisions on consumption.

As for places to consume, as touched on in the previous paragraph, there are some places where it would not be legal nor safe to consume. Public spaces like a grocery store or walking down the Strip are not only illegal but also extremely unsafe. Hotels, like the MGM and Wynn, have clearly disclosed policies prohibiting smoking marijuana on premises; however, they have not outlined whether other forms of cannabis consumption are permitted. However, some places where you can safely consume include lounges, infusion dining places, and dispensaries with attached consumption rooms, where staff are trained and prepared for even those walking Cloud 9 for the first time.

So to summarize, the laws surrounding cannabis in Las Vegas have changed, from being one of the strictest states on the plant to permitting recreational use with limits on what can be on a person at any one time, where people can consume it, and who can grow it. As a recreational user, you should consider your location, the available modes of consumption, and the laws applicable to your situation before enjoying the plant. Most importantly, if you are going to consume, please make sure that whatever you consume is from a reputable and regulated source.