Get ready, Las Vegas… Within a matter of months, residents and visitors to Las Vegas, Nevada will be able to consume marijuana in City approved “social use venues” (the “SUVs”).

On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, the Las Vegas City Council approved Bill Number 2018-61 (the “Ordinance”), which allows the consumption of marijuana SUVs that have been approved and issued requisite SUV business licenses. While there are restrictions applicable to the SUVs, the passing of the Ordinance is nonetheless a welcome addition to the Las Vegas marijuana scene.

Before the Ordinance was passed, recreational and medicinal users of marijuana were restricted to consuming marijuana in the privacy of their own homes. This restriction posed an issue for tourists, as there was no place for the tourists to consume their marijuana purchase. The Ordinance now allows the consumption of marijuana in social venues, further demonstrating Las Vegas’ acceptance of marijuana, making Las Vegas that much more attractive to its residents and tourists.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, and pursuant to the Ordinance, the following limitations apply to SUVs:

  • The City of Las Vegas must approve and issue an SUV business license following application submission. Thereafter, the yearly cost for such license is approximately $5,000.00.
  • For the first year, only licensed dispensaries located within the City of Las Vegas are able to apply for the SUV business license. Moreover, SUVs cannot be located inside of a Las Vegas licensed dispensary.
  • SUVs must meet specified odor standards and must have an approved security, training, fire safety, air quality, and sanitation plan.
  • Each SUV must be set at least 1,000 feet from a school or casino, and set at least 300 feet from certain protected institutions, including but not limited to churches.
  • As marijuana is prohibited from being consumed in public, the SUVs must restrict their view from the public.
  • Alcohol is prohibited from being sold or consumed at SUVs.
  • No one under 21 years of age will be granted admission to SUVs.

On the flip side, non-alcoholic beverages and food can be sold and consumed on-site. There is also buzz that some SUVs will feature arcade games and other recreational activities, making the SUVs akin to bars, and that much more appealing to its patrons.

The Ordinance will certainly add more joints to the City of Las Vegas…pun intended.