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
Hon. Michael Douglas, Chairman
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.
The Hon. Michael Douglas is currently the Chairman of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. Initially appointed in 2020, he was reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Sisolak to serve a four-year term.
Dennis K. Neilander
Dennis Neilander is currently the manager of DKN Gaming Consultants which focuses exclusively on regulatory compliance in the gaming space. Previously, he served as Chair of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (GCB) for 10 years, the longest service in Nevada history as Chair. As Chair, he oversaw approximately 500 employees and a $42 million budget. He also served as Chairman of the Board’s Audit Committee that was responsible for full scope compliance and revenue audits of Nevada casinos. Prior to his appointment to the GCB, Neilander was Chief of the GCB Corporate Securities Division.
Previously, he served as the primary research staff attorney for the Judiciary Committees of the Nevada State Legislature. Neilander received his J.D. from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.
Initially appointed in 2020, Dennis Neilander was reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Sisolak to serve a four-year term.
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 Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board in 2020 by Governor Steve Sisolak.
Riana Durrett
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 Nevada Cannabis Compliance 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
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.
In March 2021, Governor Sisolak appointed the first eight members to the CAC. Appointees serve a two-year term and are eligible for reappointment.
Members
Tyler Klimas, Executive Director, CCB
Aaron D. Ford, Nevada Attorney General
George Togliatti, Director, DPS
Shellie Hughes, Executive Director, DoT
Dr. Benjamin Chew, District Manager, DB Labs
James Hammer, General Manager, Wallflower Cannabis House
A’Esha Goins, Founder, Cannabis Equity and Inclusion Community Nevada
Jillian Nelson, Vice President of Operations, Evergreen Organix
Michael Nikhman, Co-Owner, Nevada Group Wellness
Kema Ogden, Co-Owner, Top Notch The Health Center
Dr. Jennifer Pearson, Assistant Professor, University of Nevada Reno
Steve Yeager, Nevada Assemblyman
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
Hon. Michael Douglas, Chairman
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.
The Hon. Michael Douglas is currently the Chairman of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. Initially appointed in 2020, he was reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Sisolak to serve a four-year term.
Dennis K. Neilander
Dennis Neilander is currently the manager of DKN Gaming Consultants which focuses exclusively on regulatory compliance in the gaming space. Previously, he served as Chair of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (GCB) for 10 years, the longest service in Nevada history as Chair. As Chair, he oversaw approximately 500 employees and a $42 million budget. He also served as Chairman of the Board’s Audit Committee that was responsible for full scope compliance and revenue audits of Nevada casinos. Prior to his appointment to the GCB, Neilander was Chief of the GCB Corporate Securities Division.
Previously, he served as the primary research staff attorney for the Judiciary Committees of the Nevada State Legislature. Neilander received his J.D. from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.
Initially appointed in 2020, Dennis Neilander was reappointed to the Board in 2021 by Governor Sisolak to serve a four-year term.
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 Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board in 2020 by Governor Steve Sisolak.
Riana Durrett
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 Nevada Cannabis Compliance 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
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.
In March 2021, Governor Sisolak appointed the first eight members to the CAC. Appointees serve a two-year term and are eligible for reappointment.
Members
Tyler Klimas, Executive Director, CCB
Aaron D. Ford, Nevada Attorney General
George Togliatti, Director, DPS
Shellie Hughes, Executive Director, DoT
Dr. Benjamin Chew, District Manager, DB Labs
James Hammer, General Manager, Wallflower Cannabis House
A’Esha Goins, Founder, Cannabis Equity and Inclusion Community Nevada
Jillian Nelson, Vice President of Operations, Evergreen Organix
Michael Nikhman, Co-Owner, Nevada Group Wellness
Kema Ogden, Co-Owner, Top Notch The Health Center
Dr. Jennifer Pearson, Assistant Professor, University of Nevada Reno
Steve Yeager, Nevada Assemblyman