Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV News
The Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is dedicated to the development and advancement of cannabis research, policy, and education.
Current Cannabis Policy Institute News
News highlights starring UNLV students and faculty who made local and national headlines.
A roundup of recent developments at UNLV.
A collection of news stories highlighting UNLV’s dedication to community and research.
Institute, led by industry expert Riana Durrett, will drive public policy surrounding cannabis legalization and explore related implications for medicine, research, and business.
Cannabis Policy Institute In The News
A Democratic senator has introduced a bill to create federal incentives for states, localities and Indian tribes that expunge low-level marijuana records—an equity-focused reform proposal that leadership has repeatedly discussed attaching to bipartisan cannabis banking legislation that’s pending floor action.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced a bill today to create a federal grant program to fund the expunging or sealing of state-level cannabis offenses — using federal dollars to achieve a goal of legislative Democrats who passed a similar bill in 2023 but were stymied by Gov. Joe Lombardo's (R) veto pen.
Understanding the historical context of cannabis regulation in the U.S. offers a backdrop to its current classification and potential rescheduling. Initially, when cannabis was unregulated, it was used both medicinally and recreationally. However, the 20th century brought a shift in perception, influenced by political, racial, and economic factors. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 marked the beginning of federal cannabis prohibition.
Recreational cannabis is a $1 billion annual industry in Nevada that continues to grow — long-awaited consumption lounges finally are starting to open — since it launched in 2017. Yet, the illegal drug market remains strong here, industry experts said.
One of the biggest challenges facing the burgeoning cannabis industry – both in Nevada and nationwide – is the illegal market, experts say. Although it’s hard to know for certain exactly how much business the illegal cannabis market is drawing away from the legal one, experts say it could threaten the future of legal cannabis as the industry begins to grow into adolescence.
UNLV’s Rebel Football team is heading to the Mountain West Championship game against the Boise State Broncos. Las Vegas Sun reporter Mike Grimala goes over what made this season so successful and what to expect for the game. Then Riana Durrett joins us to discuss the new UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute. She shares how this institute will help Nevada’s growing cannabis industry.