In June of 2013, the Nevada legislature signed in to law SB374, which allows for Medical Marijuana dispensaries to be opened, operated and maintained legally within the state. Las Vegas resides in Clark County, and according to SB374, Clark County will be allowed up to 40 dispensaries. But those patients and potential business owners looking to benefit from this new law will have to wait at least another six months and likely longer due to the action of the Las Vegas City Council.
The Las Vegas City Council in a 7-0 vote has decided to delay the ability to apply for any land use, building permit or business license applications for potential medical marijuana businesses. The Council cited concerns of current City of Las Vegas rules and regulations running afoul of the new state law, and needed time to adjust any conflicts in the law to accommodate the marijuana businesses and their patients. “We are going to get there but you have to be patient for us so we get it done right,” said Councilman Steve Ross. “We can’t just throw it out there and think it is going to work.”
The State’s own medical marijuana regulations are due by April 1st, and City officials intend to wait until the State’s regulations are finalized before decisions are made on their own rules. Although, the delay is unfortunate for medical marijuana patients and potential dispensary owners, one would hope that this time is being used constructively by government officials to lay out rules, regulations and guidelines that are clear and concise which do not leave the public guessing at to what is legal and what is not pursuant to these forthcoming regulations.
-Michael A. Troiano, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Source: Las Vegas Review Journal