Requires a cannabis establishment agent to take certain actions to verify the age of a consumer before selling cannabis or a cannabis product. (BDR 56-1024)
The introduction of AB342 is expected to have significant implications for cannabis retailers in Nevada. By formalizing the existing age verification practices into law, the bill seeks to enhance consumer protection and reduce the risk of underage sales. This is particularly pertinent in the context of the growing cannabis market, where ensuring that sales conform to legal age restrictions remains a pivotal issue. The requirement for approved identification scanners also presents an added layer of operational standardization within the cannabis industry, potentially streamlining the sales process and improving accountability.
Assembly Bill No. 342, also known as AB342, introduces new requirements for cannabis establishment agents regarding age verification before the sale of cannabis or cannabis products. The bill mandates that agents must verify the consumer's age by checking a government-issued identification that includes a photograph of the individual. The identification check must utilize an identification scanner approved by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board, ensuring that the IDs being checked are valid. This measure aims to reinforce compliance with existing regulations while providing a statutory framework for the verification process.
Although the discussions and voting history surrounding AB342 show strong support, with a unanimous vote in favor during the final Senate passage, there may still be underlying concerns among certain stakeholders regarding implementation and compliance costs. The necessity for new technology in the form of approved scanners may pose financial challenges for smaller cannabis establishments that could struggle to afford such equipment, potentially consolidating power within larger, well-funded companies. Furthermore, while age verification itself is a critical issue, some advocates for cannabis reform may contend that additional regulations could inadvertently create barriers to access in an industry that has only recently become legal and regulated.