On Monday, the Nevada Senate sent a bill to legalize cannabis consumption lounges to the governor’s desk.

The legislation advanced through the Senate in a 17-3 vote. Previously, it passed through the Assembly committee early in April.

The measure will create two new licensing categories for cannabis businesses in Nevada. The first will be for retail cannabis consumption lounges, and the second will be for independent cannabis consumption lounges.

Existing retailers will be able to apply for the second license and sell products consumed on-site by adults over the age of 21.

Independent lounges can enter into contracts with existing retailers to purchase and prepare ready-to-consume marijuana products for resale.

Regulations for Facilities

The Cannabis Compliance Board will create regulations for on-site facilities and collect fees for license applicants. In addition, social equity applicants will receive reduced expenses.

Under the legislation, a person “who has been adversely affected by provisions of previous laws which criminalized activity relating to cannabis” will be able to apply as a social equity applicant.

One amendment that the Senate adopted will allow local governments to adopt regulations for consumption lounges that are more restrictive than the state rules.

Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) is a strong supporter of the state’s cannabis industry. Many advocates expect him to sign the proposal.

Cannabis in Nevada

Cannabis has been legal in Nevada since 2016, but it lacked social-use provisions under the voter-approved law. Consumption outside of private residences is still illegal. But people will have more options for consumption available to them with the new bill.

Assemblyman Steve Yeager said that he hopes social-use businesses can open “toward the fall of this year,” but it would not surprise him if lounges couldn’t open until early the following year.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.