Findings.
Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.95.010
in effect6.95.010 - Findings.
(A) The Las Vegas City Council finds as follows:
(1) By virtue of State legislation now codified in NRS Chapters 678A to 678D, inclusive, cannabis-related establishments and services are authorized to conduct business within the State, subject to State and local regulation;
(2) Federal law and related regulations classify cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance and prohibit its cultivation, possession, dispensing and use, among other things, for medical reasons or otherwise. This Chapter is intended to implement NRS Chapters 678A to 678D, inclusive, and to establish criteria for the issuance of licenses that are a prerequisite for the exemption from state prosecution provided for in those chapters. Nothing in this Chapter is intended to authorize or make legal any act that Federal or State law does not permit or sanction or assist any violation of any Federal or State law;
(3) Nevada law also allows the City to enact regulations to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare and regulate the use of buildings, structures, land use and business and other purposes;
(4) Law enforcement and residents of states that authorize the medical and other use of cannabis report, among other things, that cannabis sales and the use of cannabis are correlated to myriad negative secondary effects such as an increase in violent armed robberies, burglaries, traffic, noise, drug and gang activity, and organized crime; an increase in other issues related to the presence of large amounts of cash, such as money laundering and firearms violations; the underreporting of crimes committed at cannabis-related establishments; the creation of opportunities for the diversion of cannabis for authorized use into illegal use; increased poisonings, structural fires and mold growth; decreased quality of life; and a disregard of environmental standards;
(5) The strong odor of cannabis plants, which increases as the plants mature, is offensive to many individuals and creates an attractive nuisance, alerting people to the location of valuable cannabis plants and creating an increased risk of crime;
(6) Cannabis, edible cannabis products and cannabis-infused products pose risks to children, elderly and non-user populations; and
(7) The public health, safety and welfare require that cannabis-related establishments and services and their employees be regulated and licensed in order to protect the public.
(B) The City Council declares that this Chapter is an exercise of the regulatory powers delegated to the City Council pursuant to the City Charter, NRS Chapter 268, and NRS Chapters 678A to 678D, inclusive. The regulations contained in this Chapter involve, to the highest degree, the economic, social, physical and moral well-being of the residents and taxpayers of the City. The cultivation, distribution, production and sale of cannabis is not a matter of right but of privilege, which would otherwise be unlawful if it were not conducted pursuant to NRS Chapters 678A to 678D, inclusive, local land use regulations and a license under this Chapter. This privilege may be denied, revoked, conditioned, suspended or subjected to any other disciplinary action by the City in the exercise of its police powers for the protection of the safety, welfare, health, peace and morals of the residents and taxpayers thereof. Businesses engaged in the sale or other disposition of cannabis must therefore comply with LVMC Chapter 6.06 and all requirements of this Chapter, except as otherwise specifically provided. Every person licensed pursuant to this Chapter shall cooperate with the Department and Metro personnel in the exercise of their duties under this Chapter.
(C) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to confer any legitimate claim of entitlement to any benefit which might otherwise devolve upon any licensee or any person approved for suitability.
(D) Nothing in this Chapter is intended to authorize or make legal any act that Federal or State law does not permit or sanction or assist any violation of any Federal or State law.
(Ord. No. 6750, § 1, 9-16-20; Ord. No. 6620, § 1, 5-16-18; Ord. No. 6324, § 1, 6-4-14)
Source: City of Las Vegas, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/las_vegas/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6BUTALIRE_CH6.95MEADECAOP_6.95.010FIFetched: 10/28/2026