Lawmakers gave final approval on Monday to legislation, Senate Bill 374, to allow for the establishment of licensed facilities to dispense cannabis to state-qualified patients. The measure passed with two-thirds majorities in both legislative chambers. It now awaits action from Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, who has previously acknowledged that he is open to the idea of regulating medical cannabis dispensaries.
If signed into law, SB 374 would establish rules and regulations for the establishment of up to 66 not-for-profit medical marijuana dispensaries.
Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey, Maine, and New Mexico have state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries up and running. Similar dispensary outlets are in the process of opening in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, DC.
Nevada voters enacted legislation in 2000 to allow for physician authorized patients to consume and grow cannabis. However, the law does not explicitly provide for facilities where authorized patients may obtain medicinal cannabis.
Approximately 3,800 Nevadans are presently authorized to grow and/or consume cannabis under state law.
To track the progress of marijuana law reform legislation in other states, visit NORML’s ‘Take Action’ page here.
This is a good thing however some of the details should be presented. They were going to curtail home growing using the same tactic that AZ has, the 25 mile rule. But some hard working activist from WECANN (Vegas group spun from retired ASA workers) worked with the lawmakers to come up with a 2 year extension for home grows. They also added that out of state patients with cards can visit and use the dispensaries which is a good move as we are a tourist destination. I had written a letter to one of the Senators and stated that we’ll never be truly safe as patients until full legalization takes place. He wrote back to me and said “We’ll legalize in 2014”! Wow!
@bud legalize in 2014? Wow. That IS good news. I also heard California might be slated as well after a disappointing 2010 measure failed. Can’t wait!
I just got back from Las Vegas a few weeks ago. While I was there, surrounded by heavy drinking, I was struck by the fact that if Nevada legalized, the rest of the country would soon follow. These tourists, from all over the country, would see firsthand that marijuana was safer than alcohol and the cat would be out of the bag so to speak.