Marijuana is perhaps the most popular illegal drug in America. It is often sold openly on the streets and in parks, despite federal laws against its sale. Many cannabis companies have been seriously affected by the recent marijuana news, Marijuana Moment, national cannabis dispensary chain, MedMen, were temporarily shut down on June 1st, 2021, following a series of shoplifting incidents at local stores and restaurants, including locally owned and operated mom and pop | cannabis industry | industry} The cannabis industry is worth an estimated $4 billion dollars annually. Much of this is spent in the delivery, research and development, marketing and sales of cannabis. The cannabis industry is also directly involved with the education, treatment, and research of the cannabis community. Many states are taking steps to tax and regulate the production and distribution of cannabis, including California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington, D. C.. Recently, the California Supreme Court heard arguments on the legality of Proposition D, a legalization initiative that would allow adult use and possession of marijuana.

According to the California Department of Finance, over six million people in the Golden State consume marijuana or have at least one ounce of it in their homes. According to the Marijuana Help News, an independent, non-profit cannabis consultancy in California, "neither state regulation nor legislation will likely eliminate many of our marijuana dispensaries." The lack of local, regional, or national marijuana dispensary regulation has created a black market for cannabis, leaving state, county, and city police officers with significant challenges, if not increased risk for enforcement, says Marijuana Help News editor-in-chief Jason Waxman. Although กัญชา possession is illegal, possession of small amounts of marijuana has rarely been enforced, except in rare cases. With increasing frequency, California law enforcement officers are being asked to use "quality of arrest" tools such as DUI, warrantless searches, and drug-sniffing dogs, which often results in questionable outcomes for persons of average intelligence, no formal training, and no previous record of substance abuse or addiction.

According to Marijuana Help News, "the only way to be sure that laws are really enacted by voters is to monitor and regulate both recreational pot use and the cultivation, manufacture, possession and sales of medical marijuana." However, oversight from the California State Legislature is minimal at best, and marijuana businesses are free to enter into virtually any contract in the state without fear of legal action. According to Marijuana Help News, "Nevada's medical marijuana law does not appear tailored to serve patients, but rather to protect the marijuana industry." Unfortunately, this does little to alleviate patients' health care needs or guarantee the safe and regulated distribution of medicine.

As the nation marks its historic movement towards legalized marijuana use, the trend seems to be moving toward Regulation by Legislation. At least one bill has been introduced in Nevada to create a Bureau of Marijuana Control within the state's Department of Tax and Trade. The bill would grant tax revenues to the state, create a state registry for marijuana growers and suppliers, and create a system of taxation to support the program. Although the bill passed the House Financial Services Committee last week, it is uncertain whether it will pass the full state Senate. Nevada already has an effective marijuana control policy in place, and the new Bureau of Marijuana Control seems likely to increase its power and autonomy from the current government.

In short, the state of Nevada appears set to further hinder and regulate the cannabis industry, creating yet another barrier to access to this important resource. Despite the state's new found interest in regulating the cannabis industry, many are frightened by the increased regulation, potentially restricting freedom of choice and driving up prices for legal cannabis products. Nevertheless, Nevada's position still holds a strong majority in both houses of the state legislature and represents a significant step towards legalizing marijuana in the Golden State.