The Nevada legislature advanced three cannabis reform measures that rescind per se driving thresholds for THC, amend marijuana penalties for minors, and permit consumers to obtain cannabis products through curbside pickup. Now all three measures await the governor on his desk.
The first measure, assembly bill 400, amends the traffic statutes. Consequently, the operation of a motor vehicle with trace amounts of THC is no longer a per se violation.
Currently, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with trace amounts of THC in one’s blood or urine. The revised measure eliminates the application of these limits in some instances.
However, the measure continues allowing employers to infer that an employee was under the influence on the job if they test positive for the presence of THC in their blood at levels of 2ng/ml or higher.
NORML consistently opposes the constraint of THC per se limits. They claim that evidence does not support such thresholds. They argue it could lead to the criminal prosecution of people who consume cannabis multiple days before they submit a test but are no longer under the influence.
Other Measures Passed
The second measure, assembly bill 158, revises first-time penalties imposed upon minors who possess small amounts of cannabis. Instead of facing up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, children will face community service. The bill will also require courts to automatically seal relevant records if the offender completes the term of their service.
The third measure, Senate Bill 168, allows retailers to facilitate curbside pickups for licensed cannabis products. During covid-19, the curbside pickup was allowed to reduce contact. However, under this measure, localities can prohibit curbside sales if they wish to do so.
All three bills now await the signature of Governor Steve Sisolak.
Lawmakers also separately approved legislation to regulate cannabis consumption lounges, and the measure will head to the Senate for further consideration.
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