About the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB)
The CCB was established through Assembly Bill 533 during the 2019 legislative session and signed into law by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak. The CCB consists of five board members appointed by the governor. Board members must have expertise in a range of fields, including finance and accounting, law enforcement, medicine, regulatory and legal compliance, and cannabis.
AB 533 also established the Cannabis Advisory Commission (CAC) which serves to study cannabis-related issues and make recommendations to the CCB. The CAC consists of 12-members, eight of which are appointed by the governor, representing relevant state agencies and members of the cannabis industry and the public. Recommendations from the CAC do not bind the CCB but provide information to assist the CCB with its decision making.
Mission Statement and Guiding Principles
Mission Statement
The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board governs Nevada's cannabis industry through strict regulation of all areas of its licensing and operations, protecting the public health and safety of our citizens and visitors while holding cannabis licensees to the highest ethical standards.
Guiding Principles
» The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board will govern Nevada's cannabis industry through strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, associations, testing and related activities.
» We will protect public health and safety, by enforcing laws and regulations to ensure that only product meeting the highest industry standards is available for adult and medicinal consumption by those legally allowed such activities.
» Through our investigative and equitable licensing practices, we will hold cannabis licensees to high ethical standards and ensure that only suitable licensees can participate.
» We will maintain the industry’s economic benefit to the state by generating appropriate taxes and fees.
» All communities within the state will have the opportunity to participate in the industry and prosper from its economic benefit.
» We will operate with the highest levels of integrity and avoid any personal or professional conflicts that may erode public confidence and trust.
» We will continue to stay focused on emerging industry technology and best practices, knowing that innovation and growth is a cornerstone to our success.
» Our strength lies in our commitment to be the very best at what we do–what we expect from our licensees is what we expect from ourselves.
Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board
Adriana Guzmán Fralick, Chair
Currently a Reno-based attorney, Guzmán Fralick has an extensive record of public service in Nevada. Her legal and regulatory experience spans several state agencies and offices including Governor Jim Gibbon’s administration, the Nevada Commission on Ethics, the Nevada Public Utilities Commission, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Raised in northern Nevada, her dedication to the Silver State extends through her volunteer service in the community.
Adriana Guzmán Fralick was appointed to the Board in 2023 by Governor Lombardo to fill the remainder of Dennis Neilander’s four-year term before being eligible for reappointment in 2025. Appointed by Governor Lombardo in August 2023, Guzmán Fralick currently serves as Chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board.
Riana Durrett, Vice Chair
Riana Durrett most recently served as the Executive Director of the Nevada Dispensary Association. During her six years with the NDA, she established herself as the primary voice for the cannabis industry regarding regulatory and government affairs. Durrett sits on the board of the Nevada Taxpayers Association and serves as a Ex Post Officio member to the Cannabis Law Section.
Durrett is licensed to practice law in Nevada and California. She received her J.D. from William S. Boyd School of Law. She has since returned to UNLV to pursue a masters in Gaming Law and Regulation.
Riana Durrett was appointed to the Board in 2020 by Governor Steve Sisolak. Appointed by Governor Lombardo in August 2023, Durrett currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board.
Hon. Michael Douglas
The Hon. Michael Douglas was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nevada in 2004 and served as Chief Justice in 2011 and 2018. He retired from the bench in 2019. Prior to serving on the Supreme Court, he sat on the Eighth Judicial District Court bench from 1996-2004. He was Chief District Court Judge from 2003-2004. From 1984 to 1995, he worked for the Civil Division in the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. Justice Douglas received his B.A. from California State University, Long Beach and his J.D. from University of California, Hastings Law School.
Initially appointed in 2020, he was reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Sisolak to serve a four-year term. The Hon. Douglas served as Chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board from 2020 to 2023.
Jerrie E. Merritt
Since 2004, Merritt has worked for the Bank of Nevada – most recently serving as Senior Vice President Division CRA Community Development Manager. In that role, she manages a diverse deposit and loan portfolio while acting as a liaison for community and economic development programs with government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Her primary focus is to strengthen existing client relationships and build strong community partnerships.
As part of her strong and on-going commitment to Southern Nevada, Merritt has served on the UNLV School of Medicine Community Engagement Board, as a mentor for the Clark County School District, and as a past Chair for the Urban Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on many other boards, including the United Way, UNLV Library Advisory Board, The Links, Inc., Valley Hospital Medical Center, HELP of Southern Nevada, American Business Women Association, Workforce Connections, and Trustee Board for The Champions Center Church.
Merritt attended the University of Alaska in Fairbanks where she studied Business and Finance.
Initially appointed in 2020, Jerrie Merritt was reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Sisolak to serve a four-year term.
Dr. Bryan J. Young
Dr. Bryan Young is an Internal Medicine Specialist, currently practicing at Renown Health in Reno. He also serves as a board member for Renown’s Accountable Care Organization, which oversees the coordination of care for patients and partnerships among healthcare practices. Dr. Young is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Previously, Dr. Young practiced in Las Vegas for eight years. He grew up in Winnemucca and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada Reno. Dr. Young attended the University of Nevada School of Medicine before completing his internship and residency at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.
Dr. Bryan J. Young was appointed to the Board in 2020 by Governor Steve Sisolak.
Executive & Management Team
Tyler Klimas, Executive Director
Michael Miles, Deputy Director
Steve Gilbert, Division Chief - Administration
Kara Cronkhite, Division Chief - Inspection and Audit
Dave Staley, Division Chief - Investigations
Lisa Figueroa, Fiscal
Andrea Fountain, Program & Industry Support
Tiana Bohner, Public Information Officer
Morgan Canfield, I.T.
Cannabis Advisory Commission
The Cannabis Advisory Commission (CAC) was established through Assembly Bill 533 and signed into law by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak in 2019.
The 12-person commission studies cannabis-related issues and makes recommendations to the CCB.
Of the 12 members, eight are appointed by the governor. Members are appointed on the merit of their knowledge, skill, and experience either within or outside of the cannabis industry. In addition to the eight gubernatorial appointments, the CAC includes Nevada’s Attorney General, the Director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Executive Director of the Department of Taxation (DoT), and the Executive Director of the CCB who serves as Chair of the CAC.
Appointees serve a two-year term and are eligible for reappointment.
Tyler Klimas, CCB Executive Director, CAC Chair
Aaron Ford, Nevada Attorney General
Shellie Hughes, Department of Taxation Executive Director
George Togliatti, Department of Public Safety Director
Dr. Emily Berthelot, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Nevada Reno
Mitch Britten, Thrive CEO
Garrison Carrafield, Silver Lion Farms Director of Cultivation
Braly Joy, GB Sciences General Manager
Lori Rogich, Rogich Law Firm Partner
Dr. Nicola Spirtos, Women's Cancer Center of Nevada Gynecologic Oncologist
Shane Terry, TapRoot CEO & Co-Founder
Dr. Chaohsuing Tung, G3 Labs Lab Director
CANNABIS ADVISORY COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEES
Subcommittee on Federal Rescheduling/Descheduling
The Federal Rescheduling/Descheduling subcommittee will, per Senate Bill 277 (2023), conduct a study analyzing how Nevada’s cannabis industry may be affected if cannabis were to be removed from federal scheduling pursuant to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act or the federal Controlled Substances Act.
The Federal Rescheduling/Descheduling subcommittee will research and report their findings and make any recommendations for potential future legislation. This report will be presented to the Cannabis Advisory Commission for review and comment. CCB board members will also have an opportunity to review the final report. The final report must be submitted to the Joint Interim Standing Committee on the Judiciary, the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, and the CCB on or before March 1, 2024.
Subcommittee on Market Participation
The Market Participation subcommittee will review and provide recommendations to the CCB Board to establish a pilot program which identifies opportunities for emerging small cannabis businesses, which includes, but is not limited to existing and new businesses. The businesses’ principal place of business must be in the state of Nevada. Additionally, the subcommittee should consider requirements for an establishment to qualify as an emerging business, including its number of employees and annual gross revenue.
Per NRS 678A.310, the Market Participation subcommittee should consider matters relating to the participation of women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, LGBTQ-owned businesses and local agriculture in the cannabis industry in the State when making their recommendations.
Subcommittee on Public Safety and Illicit Market
The Public Safety & Illicit Market subcommittee will, per Senate Bill 328 (2023), research and provide recommendations to the CCB Board on the means of investigating and penalizing those engaged with the unlicensed market.
The recommendations should include a penalty structure that:
1. Establishes penalties to be imposed for unlicensed cannabis activities, which may include, without limitation, the issuance of a cease-and-desist order or citation, the imposition of an administrative fine or civil penalty and other similar penalties.
2. Suggest procedures by which the CCB Board may impose a penalty against a person for engaging in unlicensed cannabis activities.
3. Propose the circumstances under which the CCB Board is required to refer matters concerning unlicensed cannabis activities to an appropriate state or local law enforcement agency.
CANNABIS ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
About the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB)
The CCB was established through Assembly Bill 533 during the 2019 legislative session and signed into law by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak. The CCB consists of five board members appointed by the governor. Board members must have expertise in a range of fields, including finance and accounting, law enforcement, medicine, regulatory and legal compliance, and cannabis.
AB 533 also established the Cannabis Advisory Commission (CAC) which serves to study cannabis-related issues and make recommendations to the CCB. The CAC consists of 12-members, eight of which are appointed by the governor, representing relevant state agencies and members of the cannabis industry and the public. Recommendations from the CAC do not bind the CCB but provide information to assist the CCB with its decision making.
Mission Statement and Guiding Principles
Mission Statement
The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board governs Nevada's cannabis industry through strict regulation of all areas of its licensing and operations, protecting the public health and safety of our citizens and visitors while holding cannabis licensees to the highest ethical standards.
Guiding Principles
» The Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board will govern Nevada's cannabis industry through strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, associations, testing and related activities.
» We will protect public health and safety, by enforcing laws and regulations to ensure that only product meeting the highest industry standards is available for adult and medicinal consumption by those legally allowed such activities.
» Through our investigative and equitable licensing practices, we will hold cannabis licensees to high ethical standards and ensure that only suitable licensees can participate.
» We will maintain the industry’s economic benefit to the state by generating appropriate taxes and fees.
» All communities within the state will have the opportunity to participate in the industry and prosper from its economic benefit.
» We will operate with the highest levels of integrity and avoid any personal or professional conflicts that may erode public confidence and trust.
» We will continue to stay focused on emerging industry technology and best practices, knowing that innovation and growth is a cornerstone to our success.
» Our strength lies in our commitment to be the very best–what we expect from our licensees is what we expect from ourselves.
Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board
Adriana Guzmán Fralick, Chair
Currently a Reno-based attorney, Guzmán Fralick has an extensive record of public service in Nevada. Her legal and regulatory experience spans several state agencies and offices including Governor Jim Gibbon’s administration, the Nevada Commission on Ethics, the Nevada Public Utilities Commission, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Raised in northern Nevada, her dedication to the Silver State extends through her volunteer service in the community.
Adriana Guzmán Fralick was appointed to the Board in 2023 by Governor Lombardo to fill the remainder of Dennis Neilander’s four-year term before being eligible for reappointment in 2025. Appointed by Governor Lombardo in August 2023, Guzmán Fralick currently serves as Chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board.
Riana Durrett, Vice Chair
Riana Durrett most recently served as the Executive Director of the Nevada Dispensary Association. During her six years with the NDA, she established herself as the primary voice for the cannabis industry regarding regulatory and government affairs. Durrett sits on the board of the Nevada Taxpayers Association and serves as a Ex Post Officio member to the Cannabis Law Section.
Durrett is licensed to practice law in Nevada and California. She received her J.D. from William S. Boyd School of Law. She has since returned to UNLV to pursue a masters in Gaming Law and Regulation.
Riana Durrett was appointed to the Board in 2020 by Governor Steve Sisolak. Appointed by Governor Lombardo in August 2023, Durrett currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board.
Hon. Michael Douglas
The Hon. Michael Douglas was appointed to the Supreme Court of Nevada in 2004 and served as Chief Justice in 2011 and 2018. He retired from the bench in 2019. Prior to serving on the Supreme Court, he sat on the Eighth Judicial District Court bench from 1996-2004. He was Chief District Court Judge from 2003-2004. From 1984 to 1995, he worked for the Civil Division in the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. Justice Douglas received his B.A. from California State University, Long Beach and his J.D. from University of California, Hastings Law School.
Initially appointed in 2020, he was reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Sisolak to serve a four-year term. The Hon. Douglas served as Chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board from 2020 to 2023.
Jerrie E. Merritt
Since 2004, Merritt has worked for the Bank of Nevada – most recently serving as Senior Vice President Division CRA Community Development Manager. In that role, she manages a diverse deposit and loan portfolio while acting as a liaison for community and economic development programs with government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Her primary focus is to strengthen existing client relationships and build strong community partnerships.
As part of her strong and on-going commitment to Southern Nevada, Merritt has served on the UNLV School of Medicine Community Engagement Board, as a mentor for the Clark County School District, and as a past Chair for the Urban Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on many other boards, including the United Way, UNLV Library Advisory Board, The Links, Inc., Valley Hospital Medical Center, HELP of Southern Nevada, American Business Women Association, Workforce Connections, and Trustee Board for The Champions Center Church.
Merritt attended the University of Alaska in Fairbanks where she studied Business and Finance.
Initially appointed in 2020, Jerrie Merritt was reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Sisolak to serve a four-year term.
Dr. Bryan J. Young
Dr. Bryan Young is an Internal Medicine Specialist, currently practicing at Renown Health in Reno. He also serves as a board member for Renown’s Accountable Care Organization, which oversees the coordination of care for patients and partnerships among healthcare practices. Dr. Young is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Previously, Dr. Young practiced in Las Vegas for eight years. He grew up in Winnemucca and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada Reno. Dr. Young attended the University of Nevada School of Medicine before completing his internship and residency at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.
Dr. Bryan J. Young was appointed to the Board in 2020 by Governor Steve Sisolak.
Executive & Management Team
Tyler Klimas, Executive Director
Michael Miles, Deputy Director
Steve Gilbert, Division Chief - Administration
Kara Cronkhite, Division Chief - Inspection and Audit
Dave Staley, Division Chief - Investigations
Lisa Figueroa, Fiscal
Andrea Fountain, Program & Industry Support
Tiana Bohner, Public Information Officer
Morgan Canfield, I.T.
Cannabis Advisory Commission
The Cannabis Advisory Commission (CAC) was established through Assembly Bill 533 and signed into law by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak in 2019.
The 12-person commission studies cannabis-related issues and makes recommendations to the CCB.
Of the 12 members, eight are appointed by the governor. Members are appointed on the merit of their knowledge, skill, and experience either within or outside of the cannabis industry. In addition to the eight gubernatorial appointments, the CAC includes Nevada’s Attorney General, the Director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Executive Director of the Department of Taxation (DoT), and the Executive Director of the CCB who serves as Chair of the CAC.
Appointees serve a two-year term and are eligible for reappointment.
Tyler Klimas, CCB Executive Director, CAC Chair
Aaron Ford, Nevada Attorney General
Shellie Hughes, Department of Taxation Executive Director
George Togliatti, Department of Public Safety Director
Dr. Emily Berthelot, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Nevada Reno
Mitch Britten, Thrive CEO
Garrison Carrafield, Silver Lion Farms Director of Cultivation
Braly Joy, GB Sciences General Manager
Lori Rogich, Rogich Law Firm Partner
Dr. Nicola Spirtos, Women's Cancer Center of Nevada Gynecologic Oncologist
Shane Terry, TapRoot CEO & Co-Founder
Dr. Chaohsuing Tung, G3 Labs Lab Director
CANNABIS ADVISORY COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEES
Subcommittee on Federal Rescheduling/Descheduling
The Federal Rescheduling/Descheduling subcommittee will, per Senate Bill 277 (2023), conduct a study analyzing how Nevada’s cannabis industry may be affected if cannabis were to be removed from federal scheduling pursuant to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act or the federal Controlled Substances Act.
The Federal Rescheduling/Descheduling subcommittee will research and report their findings and make any recommendations for potential future legislation. This report will be presented to the Cannabis Advisory Commission for review and comment. CCB board members will also have an opportunity to review the final report. The final report must be submitted to the Joint Interim Standing Committee on the Judiciary, the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, and the CCB on or before March 1, 2024.
Subcommittee on Market Participation
The Market Participation subcommittee will review and provide recommendations to the CCB Board to establish a pilot program which identifies opportunities for emerging small cannabis businesses, which includes, but is not limited to existing and new businesses. The businesses’ principal place of business must be in the state of Nevada. Additionally, the subcommittee should consider requirements for an establishment to qualify as an emerging business, including its number of employees and annual gross revenue.
Per NRS 678A.310, the Market Participation subcommittee should consider matters relating to the participation of women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, LGBTQ-owned businesses and local agriculture in the cannabis industry in the State when making their recommendations.
Subcommittee on Public Safety and Illicit Market
The Public Safety & Illicit Market subcommittee will, per Senate Bill 328 (2023), research and provide recommendations to the CCB Board on the means of investigating and penalizing those engaged with the unlicensed market.
The recommendations should include a penalty structure that:
1. Establishes penalties to be imposed for unlicensed cannabis activities, which may include, without limitation, the issuance of a cease-and-desist order or citation, the imposition of an administrative fine or civil penalty and other similar penalties.
2. Suggest procedures by which the CCB Board may impose a penalty against a person for engaging in unlicensed cannabis activities.
3. Propose the circumstances under which the CCB Board is required to refer matters concerning unlicensed cannabis activities to an appropriate state or local law enforcement agency.