Smoking Marijuana in a Las Vegas Hotel

The laws surrounding marijuana can be confusing. While marijuana products are illegal on a federal level in the United States, Nevada has legalized recreational use under certain conditions. Does this mean smoking marijuana in a Las Vegas Hotel is also legal? Not necessarily. 

Facilities have their own rules about what their guests can do while staying in their hotels. This is why you sometimes see hotels advertising “smoke-friendly” stays, but this is not as clear-cut as it may seem. Our team will explain Nevada’s marijuana laws and help you understand whether you can smoke marijuana in a hotel in Vegas.

Can You Smoke Marijuana in Las Vegas?     

Voters made recreational use of marijuana legal in 2016. According to the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board, those aged 21 and older can possess up to an ounce of marijuana or an eighth ounce of concentrated marijuana (referring to the separated resin, also known as wax, dabs, or isolate), as well as grow a few marijuana plants at home. 

Public use of marijuana products, however, is not allowed, and using them while driving or walking down the strip can get you in trouble.

Where Is Marijuana Not Allowed in Las Vegas?

Because of these restrictions, marijuana is permitted only on private property. Private property can include a home you own or a complex or facility owned by someone that allows marijuana use. 

Public areas where marijuana use is illegal can include but is not limited to:

  • Hotel rooms and lobbies
  • College and university dorms
  • Casino floors
  • Restaurants
  • Bars and clubs
  • Public bathrooms
  • Federal property
  • Office buildings
  • Shopping areas

The Hotel Says Smoking Is Allowed: Can I Smoke Marijuana There?

Some hotels and casinos in Las Vegas may permit its use on a case-by-case basis.  

Some hotels may even advertise and encourage marijuana use while visiting, but it’s important to remember that they are likely doing this to attract visitors. Most major casinos and hotels will frown on marijuana use during your stay. It is important to use discretion or to determine whether they are green-friendly. 

Smoke-Friendly May Not Refer to Marijuana

If a hotel says it is smoke-friendly, it almost always refers to tobacco products. Never assume that a facility will look the other way if you decide to use marijuana on their property.

While that choice may be at the owner’s discretion and some places will tolerate marijuana use, public use is still illegal. The lobby of a hotel is typically considered a public place. So, while a hotel or casino may not stop you, the police and other law enforcement agencies can.

While you can find lists of marijuana-friendly hotels, you should always assume a place is not smoke-friendly and check before you light up.

I Was Caught Smoking Marijuana in a Las Vegas Hotel: What’s Next?

If you are caught smoking marijuana in a Las Vegas hotel, you may run into trouble with the law. The use of marijuana in public areas like hotels is considered a misdemeanor, usually resulting in a fine of $600. If you violate the law twice, you face a fine of $1,000.

You may be more likely to be fined for smoking marijuana in public areas than arrested, but this can vary depending on your situation. For instance, if you have previous marijuana charges, you’re underage, or you’re driving while under the influence of marijuana, you may face arrest and jail time. 

Depending on the law you are accused of violating, you could face:

  • Fines
  • Community service
  • Jail time

Additionally, the hotel may charge you cleaning fees for any remnants of odor or ash that you leave behind. Smoking without permission from the hotel or casino can be much more trouble than it’s worth.

If you’re in trouble smoking in a Vegas hotel, you will want legal counsel. A defense attorney in Las Vegas can help you navigate your options and represent you in court. It’s important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and that a criminal defense attorney can help protect your legal rights. 

How Can De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers Help Me?

De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers understands that being arrested is a scary experience. If you’ve been charged with a marijuana-related crime in Nevada, such as smoking in a hotel room, contacting one of our criminal defense attorneys can be the first step in making the process less intimidating. Our one-on-one focus with our clients helps us establish a compassionate approach and a thorough examination of your case.

Before speaking to law enforcement or making any statements, you should contact an attorney. Your De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers attorney can help with:

  • Interviewing witnesses and involved law enforcement officials and reviewing their statements
  • Protecting your rights in a courtroom
  • Working with a judge to get a ruling in your favor
  • Helping you avoid unintentionally incriminating yourself
  • Conducting independent investigations with field professionals to possibly uncover evidence or information that works in your favor
  • Determine the best defense for your case
  • Negotiate lesser charges or sentences

When you call us for a free consultation, we can explain in depth what we can do to help with your case. During this time, we will also go over what you can expect and our fee agreement.

Contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney for Marijuana Charges

A marijuana conviction, even a minor one, can have a serious impact on your record. An attorney can be instrumental in managing your conviction and mitigating the consequences. If you run into trouble for marijuana use in a Vegas hotel lobby or room, contact the attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for legal counsel: 702-805-2694. 

You do not need to handle this alone. Call us anytime. Let our family-run firm help you today.