Since 2017, recreational marijuana has been legal in Las Vegas. However, the new laws have not created a free for all where anyone can possess any amount of marijuana that they want. Instead, the law closely regulates who can possess marijuana and how much they can have at any one time.
Las Vegas might be known as “Sin City,” but the city still has some strict marijuana laws. These laws are designed to protect the public, and for good reason—marijuana can impair a person’s judgment, reflexes, and decision-making. The effects are even worse with new drivers, many of whom make simple mistakes in judgment, under the best of circumstances. Below, we answer some of the more common questions we receive about our city’s marijuana laws.
What are the laws on marijuana in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Las Vegas allows anyone over the age of 21 to purchase up to 1 ounce of marijuana from a dispensary. You will need to present a picture ID, which does not necessarily need to be from Nevada. Instead, people from out of state can present their state-issued ID or a federal passport and purchase up to 1 ounce of marijuana.
Las Vegas also lets those age 21 or older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Purchase and possession are not the same thing, which is important to remember. A person might buy 1 ounce from one dispensary and then buy another ounce from a different dispensary. Each purchase is legal, but it is not legal to possess more than 1 ounce of marijuana at one time.
If you are 18 or older, then you can purchase marijuana for medicinal use with a valid medical ID card. Those obtaining marijuana for medicinal purposes can buy up to 2.5 ounces from a dispensary and possess a maximum of 2.5 ounces at any time.
What Are the Smoking Laws in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas lets people smoke marijuana in their homes and apartments, or in any private property with the owner’s consent. You cannot smoke marijuana publicly or on private property without permission. So college students who decide to share a joint could be breaking the law if the property owner does not know about it.
Many visitors stay in hotels, which are private property. You would need the hotel’s permission to smoke marijuana there, and you might be disappointed to know that most disallow it. It isn’t enough to sneak in marijuana and then claim, “No one told me I couldn’t smoke here.” You should have permission before you light up.
Can I Smoke in My Car?
No. Many people who ask about Las Vegas marijuana laws or “where can I smoke?” assume they can smoke in their vehicles. It is very likely that you will be arrested. You could also be charged with DUI if you were in possession of the vehicle on a public road.
Can I Buy from Someone other than at a Dispensary?
In Las Vegas, no. You must buy from a dispensary. In rural areas, people are allowed to grow up to 6 marijuana plants, but you cannot buy from a non-dispensary inside the city.
How tough are marijuana laws in Las Vegas?
This is a hard question to answer. The laws are more lenient than in other places that don’t allow any possession or purchase of marijuana for recreational use. However, the laws could be made more lenient.
If you break the law in Las Vegas, you are facing a misdemeanor charge, which might not sound like a big deal but is still part of your criminal record. For a first offense, a person can be fined up to $600 or assigned to a rehabilitation program. Penalties increase with each subsequent offense and can eventually result in time in jail or prison. Someone with 4 or more violations could face felony charges.
Can I Smoke and then Drive?
Nevada’s DUI law can be found at Nevada Revised Statutes 484C.110. This law criminalizes driving or being in physical control of a vehicle in public with more than 2 nanograms of marijuana per millimeter of blood or 5 nanograms of marijuana metabolite.
It is also illegal to be under the influence of a controlled substance or chemical that renders a driver incapable of driving safely, regardless of how much marijuana is in their blood. Marijuana may even be combined with alcohol, which can also result in a DUI.
What Should I Do if I am Hit by a Driver Who Smoked Marijuana?
You should contact a marijuana DUI accident attorney at Ladah Law. We offer a free consultation to those who call 702-252-0055.