Nevada medical pot dispensary fix sent to governor

CARSON CITY — A bill that would reallocate 11 unused medical marijuana dispensary certificates in rural counties to the state’s two population centers, Clark County in the south and Washoe County in the north, won approval in the Assembly Friday.

Senate Bill 276 would also allow establishments to move within the jurisdiction of their local government and allow the transfer of ownership of a facility to another person, provided that person meets licensing requirements.

The bill will now go to Gov. Brian Sandoval for his signature.

The 2013 Legislature set up a regulatory and licensing process for medical marijuana, 13 years after voters approved medicinal pot. That law set out the number of certificates that could be issued in each county, depending on population.

Clark County was awarded 40; Washoe, 10; Carson City, 2; and one in each of the rural counties.

But most rural counties shunned having marijuana facilities so those certificates are not being used. Under the bill, they would be reissued to existing, pre-qualified applicants in populated areas where demand is higher.

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.