Nevada Revised Statutes Section 453A.200 - Public Health and Safety

Holder of valid registry identification card exempt from state prosecution for certain acts involving marijuana and drug paraphernalia; mere presence of person in vicinity of medical use of marijuana; limitation on exemption from state prosecution; affirmative defense.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section and NRS 453A.300, a person who holds a valid registry identification card issued to him pursuant to NRS 453A.220 or 453A.250 is exempt from state prosecution for:

(a) Possession, delivery or production of marijuana;

(b) Possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia;

(c) Aiding and abetting another in the possession, delivery or production of marijuana;

(d) Aiding and abetting another in the possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia;

(e) Any combination of the acts described in paragraphs (a) to (d), inclusive; and

(f) Any other criminal offense in which the possession, delivery or production of marijuana or the possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia is an element.

2. In addition to the provisions of subsection 1, no person may be subject to state prosecution for constructive possession, conspiracy or any other criminal offense solely for being in the presence or vicinity of the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

3. The exemption from state prosecution set forth in subsection 1 applies only to the extent that a person who holds a registry identification card issued to him pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 453A.220 and the designated primary caregiver, if any, of such a person:

(a) Engage in or assist in, as applicable, the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the provisions of this chapter as justified to mitigate the symptoms or effects of the person’s chronic or debilitating medical condition; and

(b) Do not, at any one time, collectively possess, deliver or produce more than:

(1) One ounce of usable marijuana;

(2) Three mature marijuana plants; and

(3) Four immature marijuana plants.

4. If the persons described in subsection 3 possess, deliver or produce marijuana in an amount which exceeds the amount described in paragraph (b) of that subsection, those persons:

(a) Are not exempt from state prosecution for possession, delivery or production of marijuana.

(b) May establish an affirmative defense to charges of possession, delivery or production of marijuana, or any combination of those acts, in the manner set forth in NRS 453A.310.

Last modified: February 26, 2006