There are many challenges that surround the cannabis industry and cannabis use, but recent headlines show that positive changes are on the horizon. In case you missed it, here is the latest cannabis news from Nevada:

Nevada is the first state to ban pre-employment drug testing for cannabis

On June 5, 2019, Governor Steve Sisolak signed Assembly Bill 132, which prohibits employers from discriminating against prospective employees because of cannabis use. According to Culture Magazine, “The law prevents employers from removing a candidate from consideration for a job if they test positive for cannabis. This rule will affect most jobs, with the exclusion of firefighters, emergency medical technicians and those who operate motor vehicles, among others. Jobs that utilize federal funding, such as universities, are also exempt from the law.” The law is expected to go into effect next year.

Nevada to test limited cannabis banking system

Gov. Sisolak also tackled the banking issue by signing a bill that allows the state treasurer to set up a three-year pilot program for cannabis businesses. As learned from the Associated Press in Las Vegas, “the system would try to remove the large amounts of cash that Nevada’s pot industry must deal with and instead set up an online system where digital currency could be sent and received.” The article also states the system would be similar to gift cards or digital wallet apps like Venmo. Banking services such as loans will not be part of the program.

The system is expected to be ready in July 2020, and cannabis business will be able to decide whether to participate.

Las Vegas approves marijuana lounges  

In addition, the cannabis industry may be growing in Las Vegas to include lounges.  The Las Vegas City Council passed an ordinance that would give retail marijuana stores and dispensaries the opportunity to apply for permits to open marijuana lounges, which would allow customers to buy and consume cannabis on property.

The ordinance includes restrictions like no smoking outside a lounge and no alcohol permitted on a lounge property. Lounges also are required to be at least 1,000 feet away from casinos and schools. To read the full story, visit Fox 5 Vegas.