Is Weed Legal In Las Vegas
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Is Weed Legal in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas, the entertainment capital known for its bright lights, casinos, and “what happens here, stays here” mentality, has a complex relationship with marijuana. Weed—also known as cannabis or pot—has a murky legal status in Nevada that leaves many tourists wondering what’s allowed and what’s not.
Nevada’s Cannabis Laws
In November 2016, Nevada voters approved Question 2, which legalized the recreational use and possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and over. The law also allowed for the commercial sale and taxation of marijuana. So technically, weed is legal in Las Vegas and elsewhere in Nevada—with some catches.
The state has a medical marijuana program as well. Patients with qualifying conditions like cancer, PTSD, and severe nausea can obtain a medical card to purchase cannabis products from dispensaries. Caregivers can also access dispensaries on behalf of patients.
So cannabis is broadly legal for adults in Nevada. But what does this mean from a practical perspective, especially for tourists hitting up the Vegas Strip? Let’s break it down.
Buying and Using Cannabis in Vegas
If you want to buy legal weed in Las Vegas, you’ll need to visit a licensed recreational cannabis dispensary. There are dozens located off the Strip, many situated around downtown Vegas. Popular picks include Essence Cannabis Dispensary, Nevada Made Marijuana, and The Dispensary.
You’ll need to show a valid ID like a driver’s license or passport to prove you’re at least 21. Dispensaries only accept cash payments since cannabis remains federally illegal. Once inside, you can purchase up to one ounce of flower cannabis, one-eighth ounce of concentrate, or edibles totaling 100mg of THC or less.
Under Nevada law, it’s illegal to consume cannabis in public places—and most hotels ban it too. Instead, partake in the privacy of your own hotel room or a friend’s house. You also can’t drive under the influence. Rideshares and taxis are plentiful in Vegas, so plan accordingly after consuming THC.
If caught breaking these laws, you may face civil fines or misdemeanor charges. Nevada’s cannabis regulations aim to allow responsible adult usage while preventing public intoxication and access by minors.
Cannabis on the Strip
What about buying or using weed right on the Las Vegas Strip? Unfortunately, that’s still prohibited. None of the major casino hotels sell cannabis products, and consuming weed anywhere on their properties—including hotel rooms—is banned.
Some hotels like Caesars Palace and the Cosmopolitan have stated they’ll charge cleaning fees upwards of $500 if your room smells like marijuana after checkout. You also can’t walk down the Strip lighting up a joint without facing trouble.
Essentially, the Strip itself and its world-famous casinos exist in a sort of legal gray zone when it comes to weed. So spark up before heading out for a wild night of gambling and entertainment—just don’t attempt to smoke or vape cannabis once you arrive.
Cannabis Lounges Coming Soon
While public cannabis consumption remains illegal in Clark County and Las Vegas, that’s likely to change in 2023. Nevada lawmakers approved legislation allowing cannabis lounges and consumption venues in jurisdictions that opt in.
The Las Vegas City Council is working on rules to permit lounges where tourists can legally consume weed in the city. The first lounges could open as soon as late 2023, pending licensing and regulatory approvals.
Industry experts predict these Amsterdam-style cannabis lounges will prove extremely popular along the Strip, where eager tourists have virtually nowhere to legally consume their recently-purchased cannabis products. Lounges with smoking patios, vaping areas, and edibles menus aim to fill this void.
Cannabis Events
In lieu of lounges, Las Vegas hosts various cannabis-themed events where public consumption is permitted inside the venue. Popular examples include the annual Cannabis Conference and the Cannabition cannabis museum displaying glass art and cultural artifacts.
These events allow attendees to light up joints, take dabs, or munch on edibles without breaking Nevada law. They provide a legal weed refuge until permanent lounges open—be sure to buy your cannabis ahead of time though, as no sales occur on-site.
The Future Looks Hazy but Bright
To summarize: Is weed legal in Las Vegas? Yes, but tourists can only purchase cannabis products at licensed dispensaries and consume them privately under current law. Rules prohibiting public intoxication and consumption on the Strip remain strict.
However, the situation continues evolving quickly. Within a couple years, visitors may buy weed along the Strip and legally smoke a joint while playing slots or taking in a world-class show. For now, consume cannabis carefully and legally by researching dispensaries, respecting hotel policies, and understanding Nevada’s cannabis regulations.
The future looks hazy but bright for Las Vegas to embrace weed tourism fully. Until then, visitors can enjoy legal cannabis if they navigate its complexity. Blaze up and explore this dazzling city—just don’t spark up that joint until you return to your hotel room.
