Is Marijuana Legal in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has a reputation as THE place to go when you’re looking to have a good time. Though the casinos, restaurants, and shows continue to draw people to the state, there’s one fantastic feature that Nevada has to offer that many others don’t: recreational cannabis use.
If you’ve been planning your trip and have been asking “is marijuana legal in Las Vegas,” wonder no more! Cannabis became legal on January 1, 2017.
While legalization means you can buy and possess marijuana without fear of criminal punishment, there are some things you need to be aware of before you take your first hit.
What Legal Cannabis Means
Prior to 2017, walking around with cannabis on your person meant a hefty fine or even jail time. Legalization makes it okay for you to possess cannabis within the Las Vegas city limits.
You’re able to purchase and use your preferred cannabis products when you’re on your personal property. That doesn’t mean you can walk down the strip lighting up a joint without facing some penalties.
In fact, if you’re caught, you’ll end up getting a ticket from the local police department. Talk about a buzzkill!
There Are Age Limits
Legal cannabis is just as tightly regulated as alcohol in Las Vegas. You have to be 21 or older to buy products from a dispensary.
If you’re going for your first time, you’ll want to have a government-issued photo ID on-hand. Otherwise, you won’t get let inside the dispensary in the first place. Don’t worry—your driver’s license or passport will do the trick.
If you’re under age 21, you’ll need to wait until you can legally buy marijuana and other cannabis products. And, yes, buying from dealers off the street is still considered illegal.
Be Prepared to Wait at the Dispensary
Dispensaries can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons and each dispensary can only allow a few people inside the purchasing area at any given time. This means you may need to wait at the dispensary in order to make your purchases.
Try to be patient while you wait. Strike up a conversation with others in the room or brainstorm about the types of products you want to get more information on.
You’ll get to shop in a matter of minutes, even if the line seems long.
Ask All the Questions
According to the team at Planet 13, there are no silly questions when it comes to recreational marijuana use. That’s why the budtenders behind the counter at your dispensary are there—they know the products and know how to use the items they’re selling.
If you’re new to cannabis use, tell your budtender and let them make a few recommendations. Don’t worry about feeling embarrassed.
They’ve heard it all and then some. Dispensaries would rather you ask questions and find products you’ll enjoy than pick up something only to feel disappointed.
You May Not Be Able to Smoke at Your Hotel
If you live in Las Vegas and own a home or have a truly lenient landlord, you’ll be able to enjoy your cannabis in the comfort of your own home. This is because cannabis is only legal to use at your personal property.
Most hotels in the area ban smoking or vaping marijuana on the premises. This helps look out for their businesses as not all visitors are going to be okay with cannabis use. If the room smells like pot, future guests may not want to stay there.
Should you choose to light up while you’re visiting Sin City, be discreet. Don’t smoke in front of other people, don’t light up while walking down the strip, and take care when using products in your hotel room.
The last thing you want to do is have to pay an expensive cleaning fee just because you wanted to smoke a joint.
Look for Cannabis-Friendly Lodging Options
If you’re planning a visit to Las Vegas and want to be able to light up freely, consider looking for cannabis-friendly lodging in the city. Start by searching the internet or checking home rental sites like Airbnb.
It may cost a little more than a hotel room, but you’ll be able to use your recreational cannabis products without fear.
Smoking Isn’t the Only Option
What if you’re not a big smoker or just don’t want to risk lighting up in a public place? Well, you’re in luck!
Recreational dispensaries sell far more than just dried bud and vape pens. They have dozens of edibles, tinctures, patches, and even beverages to choose from. These products will let you get high without smoking.
If you’re looking to avoid possible fines, edibles and tinctures are your best bet. They’re discreet, won’t leave a tell-tale smell behind, and taste great. Just start out with a small dose.
For edibles to get you high, they need to get digested. This takes time and if you get impatient and overdo it, you could end up getting too high.
Start with a small dose and let it sit for an hour or two. If you feel you want a little more afterward, go for it.
You Can’t Take Products Home
You know the saying, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?” That’s never truer than it is with recreational cannabis.
Any products you buy MUST get consumed in the state. You can’t transport cannabis across state lines without risking serious legal trouble.
Transporting cannabis across state lines, even if it’s a state where marijuana is legal, is still a federal crime. Keep yourself safe by using anything you buy before you leave town.
Answering the Question, “Is Marijuana Legal in Las Vegas?”
If you’re looking forward to a visit to Sin City and have been asking yourself, “is marijuana legal in Las Vegas,” the answer is, “absolutely.” But you do have to be over 21 to purchase cannabis in the state.
Should you decide to buy cannabis while visiting the Strip, use discretion, consume it where you’re allowed to, and enjoy the experience.
Looking for more tips to help make your vacation everything you’ve dreamed of? Check out our latest posts.