U.S. Industry opportunities
nevada
How to open a dispensary in Nevada
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August 2022 UPDATE: The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board recently released regulations regarding Cannabis Consumption Lounges and how to apply for a license to operate one of these establishments. The rules and regulations for applying for a Cannabis Consumption Lounge online can be found HERE. About 40-45 licenses will be issued to existing licensed retailers, and another 20 licenses will be issued for independent applicants who do not hold an existing retail operator license. Approximately 10 of those licenses will have discounted fees and given to social equity applicants.
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Nevada voters legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2000. In 2013, Senate Bill 374 was introduced to implement a regulated retail medical marijuana system. While 372 facilities received provisional certification under SB374 only 65 were authorized to operate by the end of 2016. In November, 2016, Nevada voters passed Question 2, authorizing the sales of recreational marijuana. Under the initiative, only existing licensees were eligible to conduct retail sales for the first 18 months of operations.
The Department of Taxation is responsible for licensing and regulating retail marijuana businesses in Nevada and associated Nevada Marijuana Laws. As of July 1, 2017, the Department is also responsible for the state's medical marijuana program.​
Nevada is not licensing new marijuana entities at this time.
Application Fees/Start up costs
Nevada is not licensing new marijuana entities at this time.
When the Department is accepting applications, you can learn more at the Department of Taxation's Marijuana License Applications page.
Available License Types
Nevada is not licensing new marijuana entities at this time.
Nevada’s Adult Use marijuana industry consists of the following:
Marijuana cultivation facilities
Marijuana distributors
Marijuana product manufacturing facilities
Marijuana testing facilities
Marijuana retail stores​
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When the Department is accepting applications you can learn more at the Department of Taxation's Marijuana License Applications page.
Adult use
The state Department of Taxation is responsible for licensing and regulating retail marijuana businesses in Nevada and associated Nevada Marijuana Laws. As of July 1, 2017, the Department is also responsible for the state's medical marijuana program.
Nevada Senate Bill 305 adopts the U.S. Farm Bill, Section 7606 regulations and imposes them within the state of Nevada. This allows eligible Nevada producers, under the guidance of an authorized government entity, to carry out research projects within the state of Nevada relevant to the cultivation of industrial hemp.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture is the entity responsible for providing support to industrial hemp growers, seed producers and handlers. The Department will ensure that all seasonal trials abide by the standards set forth in Senate Bills 305 and 396. The following information describes necessary requirements that are to be followed by any program applicant.
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Qualifying Conditions
Nevada’s medical marijuana patients qualify under the following conditions:
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AIDS
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Cancer
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Glaucoma
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Cachexia
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Persistent muscle spasms, including multiple sclerosis
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Seizures, including epilepsy)
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Severe nausea
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Severe pain
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History
In November 2000, 65% of Nevada voters approved ballot Question 9, which allowed the use of medical marijuana in Nevada and authorized home cultivation with a patient registry. Details are listed in Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 453A: Medical Use of Marijuana .
In June 2013, Governor Sandoval signed Senate Bill 374 , authorizing licensed medical marijuana facilities for cultivation, production, dispensaries, and laboratories, and updated NRS 453A to allow for their regulation.
The initial ten-day application period for medical marijuana facilities was August 5-18, 2014. Nevada received 519 applications, which by law had to be scored and ranked within 90 days. On November 3, 2014, Nevada granted provisional certificates to 182 cultivation, 118 production, 55 dispensary, and 17 independent testing facilities. The first received final certification and opened in March 2015. By the end of 2016, only 65 of the 372 facilities with provisional certificates had received final certification.
In November 2016 Nevada voters passed Question 2 , authorizing the sales of recreational marijuana. For the first 18 months from the date that recreational dispensaries are allowed to open, only those with a medical marijuana license were allowed to own and operate recreational facilities. As with the medical framework, counties are legally allowed to ban recreational dispensaries. Some retailers were able to begin sales for recreational marijuana on July 1, 2017. Nevada accepted additional license applications in 2018. Green Rush Consulting submitted a winning application on behalf of a marijuana cultivator.
Other State Information:​
Between July 2017 and March 2018, marijuana sales in the state generated $386 million. Of this, approximately $305 million came from the adult use, recreational market despite initial supply shortages. Industry analysis firm New Frontier projects the market value to grow to $622 by 2022.
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Nevada is not licensing new marijuana entities at this time.
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Estimated market size
how to start a marijuana business NEVADa
If you are just starting your marijuana business, the next best step is to start a Business Plan to help educate your team and be ready to apply for a marijuana business license. If you are ready to apply for a Marijuana Business License in Nevada, please Contact us or call our offices to set an appointment to get started. You can also select another State Opportunity, or fill out our Contact Form to discuss potential strategies such as Investment or Partnership Opportunities.
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