Nevada Statewide Rule

Nevada Cannabis Dispensary Setbacks And Local Authority

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Key Facts

Primary statute: NRS 678B.250
School setback: 1,000 feet minimum
Community facility: 300 feet minimum
Regulator: Cannabis Compliance Board
Local opt-out: Permitted by statute

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Nevada Legislature

Summary

Nevada sets statewide minimum setbacks for licensed cannabis retailers from schools, parks, and similar uses under NRS 678B.250, while authorizing cities and counties to impose additional zoning conditions within those statutory floors.

(II) The physical address where the proposed adult-use cannabis establishment will be located and the physical address of any co-owned additional or otherwise associated adult-use cannabis establishments, the locations of which may not be on the property of an airport, within 1,000 feet of a public or private school that provides formal education traditionally associated with preschool or kindergarten through grade 12 and that existed on the date on which the application for the proposed adult-use cannabis establishment was submitted to the Board,

Source: Nevada LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under NRS 678B.250, a retail cannabis store must be at least 1,000 feet from a public or private K-12 school and 300 feet from a community facility such as a park, playground, child care center, or place of worship that existed when the application was filed. In counties over 100,000, a 1,500-foot buffer from nonrestricted gaming establishments also applies. The Cannabis Compliance Board verifies setbacks during licensing. Local governments may adopt stricter buffers, cap dispensary numbers, require conditional use permits, or opt out of allowing dispensaries entirely, but cannot reduce the state minimums. Distance is measured from the establishment's front door to the closest point of the school's property line.

Violations & Penalties

Operating outside approved setbacks may lead to license revocation by the Cannabis Compliance Board, civil penalties up to $20,000 per violation, and forced closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a city ban cannabis dispensaries?

Yes. Nevada law permits cities and counties to opt out of cannabis retail licensing entirely or to limit the number of approved establishments within their jurisdiction.

How is the school distance measured?

From the proposed store's front door to the closest point of the school's property line under NRS 678B.250, not a straight-line aerial or pedestrian-route measurement.

Sources

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