What is Cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as “Marijuana” is:

(a) All parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not;

(b) The resin extracted from any part of the plant, including concentrated cannabis;

(c) Every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant, or its seeds or resin;

(d) Any commodity or product made by using hemp which exceeds the maximum THC concentration

Cannabis, also known as “Marijuana” does not include:

(a) Hemp, as defined in NRS 557.160, which is grown or cultivated pursuant to the provisions of chapter 557 of NRS;

(b) The mature stalks of the plant and root balls which have been fully separated from the stalks of the plant after harvest, fiber produced from the stalks, seeds of the plant, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil or cake; or

Delta-8 THC & Synthetic Cannabinoids

Downloadable Flyer on Delta-8 and Other Synthetic Cannabinoids [Click Here]

What is a synthetic cannabinoid?

A “synthetic cannabinoid” means a cannabinoid that is:

(a) Produced artificially, whether from chemicals or from recombinant biological agents, including, without limitation, yeast and algae; and

(b) Is not derived from a plant of the genus Cannabis, including, without limitation, biosynthetic cannabinoids.

For purposes of SB 49, “derived” means obtained directly from a plant of the genus Cannabis as used in the definitions of cannabis in NRS 678A or hemp in NRS 557, whether naturally or through an extraction process approved by the Board. This does not prohibit decarboxylation of THCA.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC, is produced by combining CBD with an acidic catalyst and heated.

The natural amount of delta-8 THC in the cannabis plant is very low, therefore, additional chemicals are used to convert other cannabinoids into delta-8 THC. This process may use unsafe chemicals and the final product may contain harmful by-products.

What are the public health concerns surrounding Delta-8 THC and other synthetic cannabinoids?

Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), adverse reactions to the consumption of delta-8 THC or other synthetics include vomiting, hallucinations, trouble standing, and loss of consciousness, and even death.

Delta-8 THC products and other synthetic cannabinoids have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports of overconsumption and intoxication have become more prevalent nationwide due to insufficient labeling, misleading marketing, and increased accessibility without regulation.

Other synthetics that are of concern may include Delta-10-THC, Delta-12-THC, HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol), THC-O, THC-V, and THC-JD.

For more information, visit:

• CDC: Increases in availability of cannabis products containing delta-8 THC and reported cases of adverse events (September 14, 2021)
• FDA: 5 things to know about delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC (September 14, 2021)

Senate Bill 49 (2021)

Senate Bill 49 approved during the 81^st Nevada State Legislative Session (2021) addresses some of the public health concerns regarding delta-8 THC. SB 49 clarifies the definition of "THC" under Nevada statute to include all isomers of THC, including but not limited to Delta-8 and Delta-10.

Effective June 4, 2021, it is illegal to produce, distribute, or sell a synthetic cannabinoid in Nevada without proper approval from the CCB.

Parent Education

Keep Kids Safe

Now that cannabis is legal for adults in Nevada, there is an imperative need to protect both young children and teens from the risks.

Risks include:

• • Kids potentially accessing cannabis in their own home or the homes of family or friends.
  • Kids mistaking cannabis edibles for regular treats.
  • Teens developing greater interest in trying cannabis.
  • Children suffering abuse or neglect by adults who abuse cannabis.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping kids safe. Explore this section of the site to learn what you can do, what the state is doing, and what penalties are associated with breaking the laws about cannabis and youth.

Keep Kids Safe: What You Can Do

As a parent, a teacher, or other trusted person in a child's life, you have an important role in protecting kids from the risks associated with cannabis. The information on this page is intended to help you do that.

Store cannabis safely

If you have cannabis in your home, or if your child visits a home that does, make sure the cannabis is stored properly. Edible cannabis products can easily be mistaken for regular food or candy. Children can become very sick from accidentally consuming cannabis.

• • Keep all cannabis products in child-resistant packaging and clearly label it.
  • Place the packaged cannabis products in a locked cabinet or box.
  • Make sure the locked cabinet or box is placed where children can't see or reach it.
  • Adjust how cannabis is stored when older children or teens are around; what is safe storage for a young child may not stop older kids.

To learn about what the state will require of cannabis retailers for safe packaging and advertising, see What the State is Doing.

Talk to kids

Talking to young people about cannabis can help them understand the risks. They need good information from an adult they trust. According to the 2019 Nevada Youth Risk Behavior Survey 7.0 percent of high school students tried cannabis for the first time before they were 13 years old.

When you talk with youth, listen carefully and stay positive. Keep the conversation open so youth can come to you with questions. Knowing they can ask questions helps young people make good choices. Be honest with them about the health risks and legal consequences. Explain how staying out of trouble and doing well in school can help them reach their goals.

In addition to these general tips for talking to kids, your message may be different depending on the child's age. You can use the following suggestions, or tailor the conversation to meet level of development and maturity for the child you want to talk to.

Ages 9-13

Set the tone. Start an open dialog about the use of alcohol and cannabis, and the misuse of prescription drugs and other drugs during the preteen years so the child will feel comfortable discussing these topics as they grow older.

Ages 14-17

The chances of encountering alcohol, cannabis, prescription drugs, and other drugs increase dramatically in high school. Kids this age need more frequent conversations about the topic. Keep the conversations informal, have them during mealtimes or while in the car doing errands. Ask open-ended questions, like: "If your friends wanted to try a drug, how would you handle that?" Let those questions and answers guide your discussion.

Ages 18-20

Even though young people are transitioning into adulthood at this age, they still look to trusted adults for guidance and support. Keep the conversation going and promote responsibility. Understanding your desire to see them succeed at work or school can help them make positive decisions to avoid alcohol and drugs.

Information in this section was provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and used with permission.

Report abuse and neglect

Doctors, nurses, teachers, childcare providers, and many others, are considered "mandated reporters" by Nevada law (NRS Chapter 432B). This means that if they have reasonable cause to believe child abuse may be occurring or has occurred, they are required to make a report to Child Protective Services or a law enforcement agency. You can learn more about child abuse and neglect by watching the video, Recognizing, Reporting and Preventing Child Abuse, from the Nevada Division of Child & Family Services. You can also visit their website for more information and resources.

To report suspected abuse or neglect, call the statewide hotline at 1-833-803-1183.

Keep Kids Safe: What The State Is Doing

The state of Nevada takes its responsibility to help protect kids from cannabis very seriously. In fact, the law requires that the Cannabis Compliance Board, which is the regulatory agency in charge of retail cannabis, take a number of steps to ensure kids don't access cannabis.

Packaging and labeling requirements

The Cannabis Compliance Board has established the following packaging and labeling requirements to protect children:

• • All cannabis and cannabis products must be sold in child-proof packaging.
  • Cannabis products like brownies and cookies must be sold in a sealed, opaque container.
  • "Keep out of reach of children" must be clearly marked on labels of cannabis products.
  • Packaging cannot contain an image of a cartoon character, mascot, action figure, balloon, or toy.
  • Packaging and labeling can't be modeled after a brand of products primarily consumed by or marketed to children.

Restrictions on advertising and marketing

The Cannabis Compliance Board has also established restrictions on advertising, marketing, and products that may appeal to children.

Cannabis products cannot be made in a form that:

• • Is or looks like a lollipop.
  • Looks like a real or fictional person, animal, or fruit.
  • Is modeled after a brand of products primarily consumed by or marketed to children.
  • Is made with candy or snack food items.

Cannabis advertising cannot:

• • Depict cannabis being consumed.
  • Be in any publication or on radio or TV if 30 percent or more of the audience of that medium is reasonably expected to be younger than 21.
  • Be placed within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, public park, or library.
  • Be placed on or inside of a motor vehicle used for public transportation or any shelter for public transportation.
  • At sports or entertainment events that allow people in who are younger than 21.
  • Additionally, all advertising by a cannabis establishment must state: "Keep out of reach of children" and "For use by adults 21 years of age and older."

Location of cannabis establishments

The law limits where cannabis establishments, like retail stores and grow facilities, may be located.

No cannabis establishment may be located within 1,000 feet of an existing public or private preschool or K-12 school.

No cannabis establishment may be located within 300 feet of any existing community facility, such as:

• • Day cares
  • Public parks and playgrounds
  • Public swimming pools
  • Recreational centers for children and teens
  • Churches, synagogues, or other places of religious worship

Keep Kids Safe: Penalties

The law specifies the following penalties related to cannabis and underage people.

Providing cannabis to someone under 18 years of age

A person who knowingly gives cannabis to a person under the age of 18, or who knowingly leaves or deposits cannabis in any place with the intent that it will be procured by any person under 18, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Providing cannabis to someone under 21 years of age

A person who knowingly gives cannabis to anyone under 21 years of age (but 18 or older), or who knowingly leaves or deposits cannabis in any place with the intent that it will be procured by someone under 21, is guilty of misdemeanor.

Falsely representing oneself as 21 or over

A person under 21 years of age who falsely represents himself or herself to be 21 years of age or older to obtain cannabis is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Entering or loitering at a cannabis establishment

A person under 21 years of age who knowingly enters, loiters, or remains on the premises of a cannabis establishment shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 unless the person is authorized to possess cannabis as a medical cardholder (pursuant to Chapter 678C NRS) and the cannabis establishment is licensed to sell both retail and medical cannabis.

Health & Safety Facts

Consumers

Cannabis can be a powerful substance, especially if you don't use it appropriately. Here are some tips to help you use it safely.

Know how much is too much

Cannabis affects every person differently, and varying serving sizes, strains, and forms can lead to different levels of impairment. If you are unsure how cannabis will affect you, start with a small amount. The amount of THC in each product will be displayed on the label. Always know how much you're consuming.

Edibles: Low and slow

The effects of cannabis can take two hours to peak after eating or drinking it, and everyone reacts differently. For a safer experience, it's best to start with a small serving size -- no more than 5 milligrams of THC -- and wait at least two hours before consuming more.

Don't mix with other substances

Using alcohol or other intoxicating substances and cannabis at the same time is likely to result in greater impairment than when using either one alone. Use both with caution and remember that it's not a good idea to combine substances. You should also be aware of the effect cannabis can have on prescription drugs. Ask your doctor if cannabis could interfere with your prescribed medication.

Used too much?

The symptoms of using too much cannabis are similar to the typical effects of using cannabis, but more pronounced. These systems may include:

• • Extreme confusion, anxiety, panic, or paranoia
  • Fast heart rate
  • Hallucinations or delusions
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Severe nausea and vomiting

If you or someone else has the any of the symptoms above, call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for free, fast, expert help any time. If the symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room.

Remember to store safely

Store all cannabis products in a locked area, out of sight and out of reach of children and pets. Keep cannabis in its child-resistant packaging. How you store cannabis should change as your children get older. What works to protect a toddler from accidental ingestion may not work to protect a curious teenager.

Learn more about what you can do to keep kids safe.

Learn more about addiction assistance by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or go to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

Cannabis, pregnancy & breastfeeding

Cannabis use may be harmful to your baby. The chemicals in cannabis can pass through your system to your baby both during pregnancy and through breast milk, negatively affecting your baby’s development. If you are using cannabis and are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. Below you will find many useful links to help keep you and others informed.

Using cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding may:

• • Make it hard for your child to learn.
  • Lead to low birth weight.
  • Have a similar effect as tobacco smoke because it has many of the same chemicals.
  • Make it hard for your child to pay attention.
  • Expose your child to THC over a prolonged period of time.
  • Have unknown impacts because there is no known safe exposure level to cannabis for a child.

Resources

• • Sober Moms, Healthy Babies
  • Marijuana use and pregnancy flyer
  • Marijuana use and your baby
  • La marihuana y su bebe

For health care providers

• • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Podcasts & Videos
  • Breastfeeding & Marijuana Guidance, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Medical Cannabis Patient ID Card

Click here to be redirected to the Department of Health and Human Services Patient Cardholder Registry at http://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/MM-Patient-Cardholder-Registry/MM_Patient_Cardholder_Registry_-_Home/

Addiction Assistance Hotline

Learn more about addiction assistance by calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or go to their website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Dial 211, Nevada 211, is a program of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, that is committed to helping Nevadans connect with the services they need and can assist with addiction prevention, detox and other treatment programs.