Nevada will play host to yet another well-watched legalization vote in the West during the 2016 general election. With Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and now maybe California, Nevada is sure to be feeling worried it might miss out on the early green rush. If approved, the Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana would legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. Recent polling data showed a very slight majority in support of the initiative, with 47% percent in favor and 43% opposed.
And — with Las Vegas being one of the most prevalent tourist destinations in the U.S. — the state’s cannabis tourism market is almost certain to explode if voters choose to embrace legalization.
Keep your eyes on this article as election results come in, as we will be following the vote closely and will provide informational updates along the way.
Update 10:25 pm PST – Question 2 has been approved by Nevada voters in a 54-46 split, according to media sources with the Associated Press and Politico.
Update 9:15 pm PST – It appears to be a close race for Question 2 in Nevada: with 29 percent of precincts reporting, the move to legalize is up 53 percent support to 37 percent opposed, according to Politico.
Question 2, “Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana”
Personal possession limits: 1 ounce of flower, 3.5 grams of concentrates.
Taxes: 15 percent excise tax, plus state sales tax
Fees: $5,000 application fee for retail, cultivation, product manufacturing, distributor, and testing licenses.
Distributor and testing fees cannot exceed $15,000 for the initial license; $5,000 for renewal.
Retail fees cannot exceed $20,000 for the initial license; $6,000 for renewal.
Cultivation fees cannot exceed $30,000 for the initial license; $10,000 for renewal.
Product manufacturing fees cannot exceed $10,000 for the initial license; $3,300 for renewal.
Revenue disbursement: Revenues support K-12 education.
VIDEO: Overview of Cannabis Initiatives
Below is a brief overview of all the different state-level cannabis initiatives on the ballot this election cycle. With nine total states voting on expanding access to cannabis, this year presents an unprecedented opportunity for legalization advocates and medical cannabis patients.
