If you find yourself overworked or stuck in a rut, taking a vacation can be a great way to reset and unwind, especially when traveling to a city like Las Vegas. Known by many as the “Ultimate Playground,” thousands of visitors travel to Vegas each year to participate in our exciting nightlife, exclusive entertainment, and robust food scene. While the city has had a reasonably relaxed stance on gambling, alcohol, legalized adult-use cannabis since 2017, there are a few rules to remember when preparing to take a trip.
In this article, we cover the dos and donts of traveling with cannabis in Vegas so that you can make the most out of your vacation!
Nevada Cannabis Possession Laws
Before arriving in Las Vegas, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws surrounding cannabis possession in Nevada, especially if you’re traveling from a state that has not legalized the plant or if you’re traveling from a legal state that has different regulations.
Here are some important rules to remember:
- The recreational age limit for marijuana use is 21, and 18 for those possessing a Nevada medical card.
- People above the age limit can possess up to an ounce of flower and 3.5 grams of cannabis concentrate.
- Consuming cannabis in public is not permitted, with penalties ranging from a $1,000 maximum fine, to a misdemeanor charge, in the most severe instances.
- Consuming cannabis in public, non-smoking areas will also result in an additional citation.
- Cannabis is allowed in your car or vehicle but must be kept packaged in an unopened container.
- Driving or operating a vehicle while on cannabis can result in license forfeiture, fines up to $1000, and even possible jail time.
Where Can I Smoke in Las Vegas?
The biggest question for many cannabis enthusiasts looking to travel to Las Vegas is: where can I safely and legally smoke?
While edibles, particularly our distillate tinctures, are a great way to get around the pesky laws surrounding public cannabis consumption, people who enjoy smoking joints, bongs, and bowls are confused about where they can and can’t light up.
For most travelers, the best bet will be to book a private Airbnb or apartment-style rental in the city that allows smoking on their listing. This will give you the opportunity to pick up at the dispensary when you get to town and smoke comfortably before you go out to see the sights of the strip or grab dinner in the Las Vegas Arts District.
If you’re unsure of whether or not your hotel or rental is ok with guests smoking marijuana, the best thing to do is call the concierge or property owner and ask. Some establishments may offer outdoor patios or smoking spaces that will turn a blind eye to cannabis, especially with more discreet options like vape cartridges, but it’s always a good idea to take some precautions and check first.
Take a Cannabis Tour
A great option for first-time visitors is to consult some of Las Vegas’ cannabis-friendly tourism sites that help connect people with cannabis-related lodging and activities throughout the city.
One company, Cannabis Tours, works with local property managers and renters to offer several different accommodation options that allow smoking and also provides their own “Canna-bus” tour where guests can visit the best dispensaries and growing facilities in Las Vegas!
Another local business, LV Cannabis Tours, offers a variety of packages and tour options, with activities ranging from dispensary tours to glass blowing lessons and even an exciting helicopter ride around the Las Vegas Strip!
Can I Bring Cannabis on the Plane?
Simply put, no. All U.S. airports are governed under federal jurisdiction, meaning that where you’re traveling from and where you are arriving is not taken into account, even if both states have legalized marijuana. While TSA does not actively search for cannabis when you go through security, if found, it will be confiscated, and airport law enforcement may be notified! Because these officials operate under federal law, the punishments for having cannabis in an airport may end up being more severe than Nevada state penalties.
If you forgot to empty some nugs out of your bag or still have that vape pen in your pocket, don’t be too afraid. Throughout Harry Reid and McCarran airports are bright green cannabis amnesty boxes that are designed specifically for travelers to discard any flower, concentrates, or paraphernalia with no repercussions or questions asked.
Safe Travels!
Now that you know the ins and outs of traveling with Cannabis in Las Vegas, it’s time to book a trip and get packing! Check out our online menu to find your perfect strain, and get exploring.
