Nevada Regulators Approve Social-Use Rules

The Nevada Cannabis Control Board (CCB) on Tuesday approved regulations for cannabis consumption lounges which could allow businesses to allow on-site use by the end of the year, the Las Vegas Sun reports. Currently, social use is only permitted on tribal land operated by the Paiute Tribe.  

The board indicated that it plans to award the first licenses for on-site consumption in the fall.  

Half of the independent lounge licenses awarded in the first round will be awarded to social equity applicants and businesses must submit a “diversity plan” to outline “actionable steps and goals for meaningful inclusion,” the board said in a press release. 

Under the regulations, use will be limited to 3.5 grams of “usable cannabis,” patrons may not take unused cannabis products with them when they leave the lounge, and any edible, capsule or tincture containing more than 10 milligrams of THC must carry a label that reads: “Caution — this product is very potent and is not recommended for inexperienced users.” 

Rooms designated for smoking must be inside designated areas and outdoor lounges are also an option.   

Last year, the CCB sent letters to retail license holders informing them of their eligibility to apply for social consumption licenses, expecting permits would be licensed by the end of the year but the process ended up taking longer than officials anticipated, the report says.  

Social use provisions were approved by Nevada lawmakers in 2019.