People visit Las Vegas for its good times, but now your vacation includes high times as well. Recreational marijuana in Las Vegas is not legal, but it’s not that cut and dry. There are rules and limitations you must follow or risk trouble with police and businesses.
If you want to relax and get your mellow on in Sin City, then there are plenty of options, but don’t let it get you in trouble. Nevada gave you permission to use recreational marijuana. Dispensaries have every type available, but they haven’t given you carte blanch to do whatever you want.
Check out these eight things you need to know before lighting up in Las Vegas.
1. Legalized Marijuana Use Starts at 21
Many people believe that the legal age to buy and use Las Vegas cannabis is 18, but it’s 21. The state of Nevada passed the legalization of marijuana in November of 2016. It stated that it was legal for anyone 21 and older to buy and use cannabis for recreational purposes.
If you’re 21, you can buy and have marijuana. Law Enforcement cannot charge you with possession of drug paraphernalia for marijuana items. If you are under 21, you run the risk of charges for using it and possessing it including drug paraphernalia.
The only caveat to this is if you are 18 years old with a valid medical marijuana card.
2. You Can Only Have One Ounce on You
Nevada marijuana laws made it easy for people to get and use pot, but you can’t walk around town with a giant bag of reefer. It is only legal to carry up to one ounce of marijuana on your person. You can have up to 3.5 ounces of concentrates and hash on you.
It’s important to track how much you have. If you have more than the legal amount, then law enforcement can charge and arrest you with possession of a controlled substance.
The only good news is much of the marijuana laws in effect are misdemeanors. They can still lead to fines and jail time.
3. Recreational Marijuana in Las Vegas Allowed Only on Private Property
You travel to Las Vegas to gamble and smoke a little cannabis but find out your hotel doesn’t allow it. Marijuana use is only legal on private property. You can’t smoke it on the strip, federal land or in many businesses.
Your hotel room isn’t private property, so before booking ask the hotel if they allow it. It’s possible they don’t, and most casinos don’t allow it either. There are businesses that do allow it, so check with them before visiting.
4. It’s Still Illegal on A Federal Level
While various states including Nevada made recreational marijuana legal, the federal government has not. If you are so bold to light up in front of an FBI agent, they can arrest you and bring you up on federal charges. Is this likely? No.
The federal government isn’t going to start arresting the multitude of people using marijuana. They might go after businesses that allow its use.
Many businesses such as hotels and casinos are hesitant to allow it on their property. There are still plenty willing to take the chance.
5. Don’t Take It Out of Nevada
While marijuana use is legal in Las Vegas, it’s not everywhere. If you grab a few ounces in Las Vegas while on vacation but don’t use it all, don’t take it back home. Once you cross the state line, it’s illegal again.
If you get stopped, it doesn’t matter if you bought it in Las Vegas. It’s illegal in the state you got stopped in and they can arrest and charge you in that state.
The possession of marijuana is only legal in certain states. If your vacation is over, toss the marijuana or use it before you leave.
6. Trust Your Las Vegas Dispensary
If you’ve never had marijuana, then a dispensary like Planet 13 can be overwhelming. There are many different strains available with varying degrees of CBD and THC.
When you visit a dispensary, listen to your budtender. Tell them what you’re looking for and the type of high you want, and they’ll give you options. They can tell you about the different types, concentrates, and edibles.
Buying and using marijuana for the first time can be exciting, but don’t buy more than you’ll likely use for that day. Why? While it’s legal there are still many rules attached to it and it’s best to not tempt fate.
For example, you’re in Vegas having a great time and meet this amazing guy or girl. You’ve got extra cannabis and it’s legal to give up to a ½ ounce to someone. You then find out this person is only 19 or 20. Best to keep your cannabis to yourself and only buy what you use.
7. Don’t Drive Under the Influence of Marijuana
Alcohol is legal to drink, but don’t drink and drive. It’s a bad idea and can get you in serious trouble. The same goes for driving under the influence of cannabis. If law enforcement catches you driving under the influence, then they can arrest and charge you like alcohol.
Nevada law states that anyone with more than 2 nanograms of marijuana in their blood is over the limit. A law enforcement officer can also deem that it impaired their ability to operate a vehicle.
The amount of marijuana needed to exceed this limit depends on the person, but it’s not much. It’s a better idea to not drive at all while using marijuana. The last thing you want is to get into an accident with a brand new car because of marijuana.
8. Businesses Can Fire You for Marijuana Use
As an employer can fire you for being drunk on the job despite alcohol being legal, they can fire you for being high at work. If you smoke before work and a random drug test shows it in your blood, then you can face disciplinary action.
It doesn’t matter if you didn’t do it at work or while on the clock. You have it in your system and it can impact your ability to do your job and the safety of others.
Enjoy Your Las Vegas Cannabis
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. You can have an amazing time gambling and using marijuana, but make sure you stay within the rules.
Recreational marijuana in Las Vegas is legal, but not unrestricted. If you travel to states with legalized marijuana for your business, then check out how you can run a business from the road.
