Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Las Vegas Marijuana Tour Buses Hit Legal Speed Bump

While a few choice bus companies started making their plans – and in some cases implementing them – to create marijuana themed buses where passengers can sit back and really enjoy the ride, a sneaky little law rose to the surface. It turns out that Nevada has a state law that prohibits one from ingesting pot inside a moving vehicle.

It’s a misdemeanor, but it sits right alongside another law stating that one cannot rent a private vehicle for the sole purpose of consuming marijuana.

These laws aren’t deterring companies that are passionate about their buses. There’s an application for GreenRush Puff Bus under review and another company, Cannabus, had their application put on hold after a year of charter bus operations.

At this juncture, pot smoking isn’t allowed in casinos, hotels or bars, leaving tourists with few weed smoking sections. There is some optimism, however, that new tweaks to the law will be passed in 2019.

Last week Clark County officials released a statement that it is illegal to rent any type of vehicle in which to smoke marijuana. It also remains illegal in public places and, of course, the airport.

Tours such as these became a thing when the first states legalized pot. Denver has them and Oregon did, too, though they’ve had their own legal issues to contend with over the cannabis bus tours. Many come with snacks and drinks, psychedelic light shows, big screen TVs and big, cushy seats.

Luckily, the proponents for the busses have found an ally in Nevada government. Senator Tick Segerblom (D) Las Vegas is a long time cannabis advocate and is hopeful about the 2019 legislation sessions. He’s currently on the hunt to see if individual municipalities are able to allow pot bus permits for onboard imbibing.

As Nevada pot sales remain a cash only business, one bus company is trying to expand the program. Michael Wagner, CEO of Tokes Platform and a partner with Herbology bus tours, hopes that Tokes will become an alternative form of payment at dispensaries.

For now, if you want to visit a Las Vegas dispensary you have to find your own way there and then find some way to consume. But we have a feeling that someday soon these buses are going to keep on trucking. The idea is just too good to not succeed in the long run.

MUST READ

Can Big Alcohol Help The Cannabis Industry

Marijuana needs friends in Congress, can big alcohol help the cannabis industry expand federally?

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

Winter Hacks To Get Fit While High

Winter is a different kind of wonderland for those who prefer any of the other three seasons, especially summer. It becomes a time when being homebound isn’t so bad.

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.

Stay informed with exclusive news briefs delivered directly to your inbox every Friday.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.