(Newswire.net — July 3, 2017) — July 3, 2017) -Authorized marijuana shops will be able to sell up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational use to customers 21 years and older with a valid ID. The law was approved by voters in November 2016.
Consumption is allowed at homes, yards and porches, while public consumption is prohibited and is subject to a USD 600 fine.
Also, driving under the influence of marijuana as well as advertising is prohibited.
Nevada has also imposed a 10 percent excise tax on pot sales in addition to the regular 4.6 percent state sales tax.
The sale of marijuana started at midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of delighted people lined up outside the only dispensary on the Las Vegas Strip, Essence Cannabis Dispensary, across the street from the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower.
They all wanted to be first marijuana shoppers in the Silver State. A total of 44 dispensaries, mainly located in malls and clubs, have been so far authorized to sell pot, according to reports.
More than 42 million tourists visit Nevada annually, which is famous for hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, also known as Sin City. It is expected that 63 percent of recreational marijuana buyers will be tourists.
Experts predict that Nevada will be reporting largest marijuana sales in the US, at least until January 2018, when recreational cannabis is scheduled to go on sale in California.
Marijuana is currently legally sold also in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, while California, Maine and Massachusetts have also legalized recreational marijuana sales and are expected to be next to follow the suit. It though remains illegal under federal law.
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug from cannabis plant and can be consumed by smoking, vaporization, within food, or as an extract.
Cannabis can cause mental and physical effects, such as changes in perception, euphoria, feelings of paranoia or anxiety. Long-term effects may include addiction and decreased mental ability.
The effects of inhaling marijuana are immediate and peak within 10-15 minutes, while ingesting marijuana can take up to two hours to take effect and can peak for a couple of hours.