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Wednesday, Jul. 2, 2025

Can you smoke marijuana in your backyard in Nevada?

Alejo Cruz, The Nevada Independent
yes

Nevada law permits the consumption of cannabis on private property so long as the property owner has not prohibited it.

Creating excessive odors could violate local anti-nuisance ordinances, though “odor nuisances” are defined differently by each city. In Las Vegas and Reno, for example, ambient odor must persist with an intensity of 7 odor units or greater for a 48-hour time period before authorized officials can get involved. Some city codes don’t define “odor nuisances.” 

However, smoking marijuana is banned outside of private residences or businesses specifically designated for the purpose. 

Public smoking of weed is not allowed anywhere in Nevada. This includes sporting events, concerts, parks, hotels, casinos, festivals and on the streets. 

Smoking cannabis in a motor vehicle — stationary or moving — is also prohibited for the driver and passengers. 

The use of recreational marijuana was made legal for adults 21 and older on Jan. 1, 2017, after the passing of a statewide ballot question in 2016. 

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The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.

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