According to the State of Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board https://ccb.nv.gov/list-of-licensees/ there are 102 licensed cannabis dispensaries in the state of Nevada with two being in White Pine County.
Curaleaf and TSAA Nesunkwa have been thriving since their openings in 2020, and because of that there has been a change of heart for the once cannabis-disinclined city and county officials. Years after imposing a moratorium on marijuana businesses, the county is now looking to capitalize on the state’s thriving marijuana industry.
Cynthia Davis – SB 277 brings reforms to cannabis laws along with non-discriminatory purchasing and employment for felons in and at dispensaries
Former District Attorney, Mike Wheable, who was an advocate for allowing the “Cannabis Industry” to prosper in the city and county, previously stated that rural Nevada has long been reliant upon the mining industry and that adding cannabis to the economic portfolio of the county would help to move away from reliance on local mining. In recent years, elected officials have found his logic to be true, and have come to realize that the “new-age” acceptance of cannabis would indeed benefit the city and county coffers.
In a win for cannabis advocates, both medical and recreational, Governor Joe Lombardo (R) gave final approval to the legislation on May 14th, signing Senate Bill 277, after passing the Assembly 28 to 14, and the Senate 14 to 6. SB 277 is a large-scale marijuana reform bill making revisions to existing laws governing marijuana in the state of Nevada. Gov. Lombardo also gave his approval for Assembly Bill 342, codifying the verification of age for cannabis sales. The Cannabis Compliance Board, by regulation, requires establishments to verify the age of the consumer before selling marijuana, and this bill codifies that requirement into law. *Below are the changes that will take effect.
- Increasing the possession and purchase limit for dried cannabis, from 1 oz. to 2.5 ounces, and doubling the amount of cannabis concentrates from 1/8 oz. to 1/4 of an ounce.
Note: A Concentrate is an oil or extract, and is any product made when the cannabis flower is processed down into cannabis oil.
- Dispensaries can now obtain dual licenses, which allows them to sell to both medical patients and recreational consumers.
- Regulators will no longer be able to issue or renew medical marijuana licenses after January 1, 2024 (unless the applicant is located in a jurisdiction that has opted out of permitting adult-use facilities.) Fees will also be adjusted.
- Eliminates provisions which make having committed an excluded felony offense grounds for the immediate revocation of a cannabis establishment agent registration card. Felons are now able to purchase cannabis, and gain employment from licensed dispensaries.
For the full text of Senate Bill 277 and it’s reforms please visit https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/82nd2023/Bills/SB/SB277
The Bristlecone Tribune reached out to “Cheryl”, who works for Curaleaf, in hopes of gaining her professional perspective in regards to the new reforms. Cheryl did not disappoint with her no-nonsense and common sense opinions. “I fully agree with the reforms Gov. Lombardo has signed into law. By increasing the amount of cannabis and cannabinoids one can possess, it allows more freedom for medicinal users to purchase larger amounts that best suit their own chosen-preferred medical needs. It also helps individuals who have cannabis medical cards save money by going straight to a dispensary, thus avoiding the cost of a doctor’s visit (so many people are on fixed incomes, and cannabis is their choice of medicine.) Again, freedom in and of-choice as I am a firm believer in “medical marijuana”, and the benefits it provides. As for the reforms for felons I’m all for it! Why discriminate against, and/or refuse a felon the right to purchase cannabis or work in a dispensary, but allow him/her to purchase alcohol or work in a liquor store when most research and data indicate that alcohol causes more death-related incidents and illnesses than cannabis ever has or will?! Last, the state, cities, and counties will all benefit monetarily, from increased tax revenue(s) by allowing for larger amounts in purchases among other factors.”
As for critics and opponents of cannabis and cannabinoids, legalized or not, there is too much scientific and medical research that has proven benefits out-weigh the negative confabulations embedded by big-pharma, paid interest groups, religious organizations, and government. Whether the new-found allowed freedom of cannabis use is recreational or medicinal….it’s here to stay, and education is key for everyone.
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