Nevada remains one of the most cannabis-friendly destinations in the country, but its rules around buying and consuming cannabis—especially on the Las Vegas Strip—are far more regulated than many visitors expect. Here’s a concise, up-to-date breakdown to help consumers stay compliant.
Who Can Buy Cannabis in Nevada
Recreational cannabis is legal statewide for adults 21+ with a valid government-issued ID. Medical marijuana is available for patients 18+ with a Nevada card or an approved out-of-state card. All purchases must be made from state-licensed dispensaries, as street sales remain illegal under state law.
Purchase and Possession Limits
Nevada allows adults to legally possess and purchase:
- Up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower
- Up to ¼ ounce of cannabis concentrate
These limits apply per day, regardless of how many dispensaries a person visits. Possessing more than the legal amount can result in misdemeanor charges and fines up to $600.
Where You Can Consume
Nevada’s consumption rules are significantly stricter than its purchase laws. Cannabis may only be consumed:
- In a private residence with the owner’s permission
- Inside a licensed cannabis consumption lounge
Public consumption remains illegal and includes sidewalks, parks, casinos, Uber/Lyft, hotel rooms, and any other space accessible to the public. Violations typically result in civil fines, which can reach up to $600. Driving under the influence of cannabis is also illegal and treated similarly to alcohol-related DUI.
The Las Vegas Strip: What Tourists Should Know
Despite Nevada’s legal market, the Las Vegas Strip is not a legal place to consume cannabis. The Strip falls under a mix of private property and county oversight, and casinos must follow federal gaming regulations, which prohibit cannabis use on their premises. This means:
- Smoking or vaping cannabis anywhere on the Strip, including sidewalks, bridges, and plazas, is illegal.
- Hotel rooms, balconies, and casino grounds do not permit cannabis use.
- Resorts may confiscate products or issue warnings, and law enforcement can issue citations for public consumption.
Tourists often assume that the Strip’s open-container vibe for alcohol extends to cannabis, but it does not. Consumption is expected to occur off the Strip in private spaces or inside licensed lounges.
Cannabis Consumption Lounges in Las Vegas
Nevada approved on-site consumption lounges through Assembly Bill 341, with the Cannabis Compliance Board authorized to license dozens statewide. While many are planned for Las Vegas, rollout has been slow.
As of now, Dazed! at Planet 13 is the only consistently operating licensed lounge in Las Vegas. Others remain in development or have closed. Until more open, tourists have limited legal options for public consumption and should plan accordingly.
Home Cultivation Rules
Home cultivation is legal but restricted. Adults 21+ may grow:
- Up to six plants per person, 12 per household
- Only if they live more than 25 miles from a licensed dispensary
Because the Las Vegas Valley is dense with dispensaries, most residents—and all visitors—cannot legally grow at home.
The Bottom Line
Nevada provides easy, legal access to cannabis, but consumption remains tightly controlled, especially along the Las Vegas Strip. While buying is straightforward, using cannabis legally often requires being in a private residence or visiting a licensed lounge. Visitors who understand these rules can enjoy Nevada’s cannabis culture while avoiding fines and staying on the right side of state law.
If it’s your first time in a dispensary, learn how to shop like a pro here.