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Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

Is synthetic marijuana currently illegal in Nevada?

Todd Butterworth, The Nevada Independent
yes

In 2021, Nevada banned the "production, distribution, sale or offer for sale of synthetic cannabinoids." As of Feb. 15, 2023, synthetic cannabinoids remain illegal in the state.

Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is illegal at the federal level. Hemp and hemp-derived products with 0.3% or less of Delta-9 THC were legalized by the 2018 farm bill.

The popular synthetic cannabinoid Delta-8-THC is made by chemically treating hemp. However, because it naturally occurs in very small quantities in hemp, it falls under the definition of "hemp-derived products." This allows companies registered in states where synthetic cannabinoids are legal to sell the substances online, which Nevada lawmakers have remarked makes the state ban difficult to enforce.

The DEA recently clarified that "THCO" cannabinoids, which do not naturally occur in hemp, are illegal, but Delta-8-THC remains federally legal for now.

Numerous states have banned the substance over concerns about its potential adverse effects, manufacturing process, and spotty regulation.

See a full discussion of this at The Nevada Independent

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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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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