The new law allows people ages 21 and older to legally possess an ounce of marijuana. However, the rules prohibit public consumption on the Las Vegas Strip or in any casino or hotel.

Nevada gaming regulators have taken the stance that since the substance remains illegal on a federal level, casino owners should not jeopardize their license.

The Silver State became the fifth in the nation to allow retail marijuana sales, putting it in the same company as Colorado, Oregon, Alaska and Washington state.

And until California follows suit next year, cannabis experts believe Nevada will host the nation’s largest retail marijuana market to add to its already booming tourism industry: travelers spent more than $66 billion while visiting Nevada in 2016, thanks in large part to its legal gambling and prostitution industries.

“I personally think it’s really a game changer,” said Nevada state senator Tick Segerblom. “It’s the last vice that’s going to be made legal, and when you look at other states, this is final straw where we’ll have something else to sell where people can take advantage of it.”

Even though the ballot proposal to legalize recreational marijuana passed by 55% in the 2016 election, 13 of Nevada’s 17 counties voted against it, and residents continue to debate the scope and merits of the policy.

Clark County will hold a public hearing Aug. 1 to consider whether to outlaw possession of the substance at McCarran International Airport.

Source: The Washington Times

Posted by Ray Simon

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