A lawmaker pushing for medical marijuana dispensaries in Nevada says they could be open within a year if legislators pass a bill to allow them this session.
Medical marijuana is already legal in Nevada, but state law does not allow for dispensaries,
reports the Las Vegas Sun. On Friday, most members of the state's Senate Judiciary Committee voiced support for a bill sponsored by Democratic State Sen. Tick Segerblom.
Segerblom said he hopes the first clinics will open in a year, but lawmakers must vote by mid-April for that to happen. He said there are 3,500 registered medical marijuana users in Nevada, but the number could grow to 35,000.
Through marijuana dispensaries, registered users could buy the drug for $10 an ounce, and would be limited to two ounces of marijuana in any 14-day period.
Lawmakers are still questioning whether people with medical marijuana cards from other states will be able to buy the drug in Nevada, and how the dispensaries will obtain their supplies. It's likely both issues will be addressed in amendments to Segerblom's bill.
Police departments are also seeking stiffer penalties for people who sell and use marijuana illegally.