Nevada Medical Marijuana

In 2000, Nevada became one of the few states to amended the state constitution to recognize protection from prosecution for individuals using cannabis for medical relief. Nevada Medical Marijuana law established a registry administered by the Department of Health, and instituted guidelines for qualifying conditions and possession limits. Specific literature stresses the role of the Nevada School of Medicine to relentlessly pursue permission from the federal government to form a state operated medical cannabis distribution program.

Medical Marijuana Nevada law is very detailed in respect to the registration process, as well prosecution limits and guidelines. While the registration process is available, individuals who are not registered may still use medical need as an affirmative defense if prosecuted for any acts related to the consumption of cannabis. Resident of Nevada interested in registering as a patient must complete 5 applications, and supply a copy to: the patient, caregiver—if applicable, attending physician, Department of Health, and the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History. In addition to the application, qualifying applicants must provide written verification from their physician, as well as proof of residency of both patient and caregiver—if applicable. Contact information for the registry is:

Jennifer McHolmes, Asst. Director
Nevada Division of Health
1000 E. Williams St, #209
Carson City, NV 89701
775.687.7594
http://health.nv.gov/medicalmarijuana.htm

The registration fee for Nevada Medical Marijuana is $150 annually, with a $50 application fee.

Qualifying debilitating conditions under Nevada Medical Marijuana law include:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• AIDS
• Muscle Spasms / Multiple Sclerosis
• Seizures / Epilepsy
• Severe Nausea
• Severe / Chronic Pain
• Cachexia
• any additional conditions deemed acceptable by the Dept. of Health following a petition of particular condition

Nevada Medical Marijuana law limits the amount cannabis a patient and caregiver may possess. For usable forms of cannabis, the limit is one ounce. In terms of cultivation, a patient/caregiver may have three flowering plants and four non-flowering. If a patient or caregiver is found to be in excess of the above stated amounts, they are no longer free from prosecution, but may still use a medical necessity defense if their excess amounts are deemed necessary by their attending physician. Medical Marijuana Nevada law does not specify how collective or dispensaries are to operate. Individuals looking to establish such organizations should consult a local attorney.

Nevada Medical Marijuana law offers no protection from patients registered in any other state. In addition, no insurance companies are required to reimburse any expenses related to the consumption or cultivation of medical marijuana. Finally, no employer or housing authority is required to tolerate consumption on the job or in a housing complex.