Nevada: new discussions on the interaction between marijuana and gaming industry

Gaming industry leaders and Governor Brian Sandoval are discussing how to regulate the interactions between casino properties and Nevada’s new marijuana industry after one of the largest marijuana business trade shows was held in Las Vegas this month.

MJBizCon drew 18,000 to the Las Vegas Convention Center for a week.

“Frankly, Las Vegas is the international destination where this industry can gather on this scope and scale,” said Cassandra Farrington, one of the founders of MJBizCon.

However, the top brass of the casino industry and Gov. Sandoval are questioning if hosting marijuana conventions puts casino properties at risk – since federal police still classify pot as a dangerous drug.

“I didn't know that it was such a large convention in terms of having 18,000 attendees and the economic impact on that,” said Sandoval, adding that he would still like some input from the U.S. Justice Department.

Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Tony Alamo said the issue has been cut and dry.

“On one hand, you’ve got the marijuana industry and on the other hand, you’ve got the gaming industry. The two shall not be directly intertwined,” said Alamo.

However, following a five-hour-long hearing Wednesday, Alamo said he had a slight change of heart when it comes to the issue of marijuana conventions.

“I always felt that was an impossibility – to be able to police that—I changed because I think there is a way,” said Alamo, adding that one possible compromise would be to ensure there is no sale or possession of pot at a convention on casino property.

“The gaming industry realizes that the marijuana industry is here to stay. They just have to figure out how to deal with it,” said Nevada State Sen. Tick Segerblom.

The committee is expected to meet again possibly in February. Sandoval wants to see policy recommendations ironed out by then.