While other states such as Colorado are having second thoughts about plans to legalize marijuana clubs, a bill in Nevada to do just that is moving forward.
The Trump administration’s hostility toward marijuana reform has thwarted some of the plans by the industry and lawmakers. Recently, an measure to allow marijuana clubs in Colorado was watered-down by lawmakers due to fears of a federal crackdown on state laws.
Nevada seems willing to stand up Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ veiled threats to go after the marijuana industry. Senate Bill 236 has been introduced in Nevada and would legalize social clubs for marijuana if enacted.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Tick Segerblom (D-Las Vegas). Segerblom has concerns about where tourists can go to consume marijuana once the recreational program is up and running. Nevada is already counting on additional revenues raised from tourists purchasing marijuana.
“Tourists don’t have a home in Nevada,” Segerblom, said on the Senate floor. “We’re trying to get $70 million in tax revenue from them,” Segerblom added. “So let’s give them some place to use it.”
In Las Vegas, marijuana clubs would be located off of the famed Strip. The gaming industry looks like they want to walk a tightrope between increasing tourism and keeping marijuana out of casinos and Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas Sands Corp. Senior VP, Andy Aboud, wants to set up a “safe haven” for tourists according to The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Without the clubs, Abboud fears lawmakers will “dump the responsibility onto the resort corridor” when it comes to regulation.
Senate Bill 236 passed an initial vote (12-9) this week and will now go to the Assembly. Of course, there is no guarantee the law will be implemented, but it is an open secret that the gaming industry has huge sway in what goes on in Nevada.
