Las Vegas may be the ultimate adult playground, but when it comes to cannabis, things aren’t as freewheeling as many tourists assume. While Nevada legalized recreational marijuana in 2017, several important rules still catch visitors off guard. Here’s a breakdown of the most common misconceptions tourists have about cannabis consumption in Sin City—and what the real deal is.
1. “It’s Vegas—I can smoke wherever I want!”
This is probably the most common (and risky) myth. Tourists often believe they can light up on the Strip, in their hotel rooms, or walking around downtown. In reality, public consumption of cannabis is illegal across the state. That includes sidewalks, casinos, hotel balconies, rideshares, and even rental cars. Smoking in these areas can lead to fines, eviction from hotels, or worse. Nevada law only allows cannabis to be consumed in private residences or licensed consumption lounges.
2. “I’ll just order some to my hotel.”
Not so fast. Even though delivery is legal for adults over 21, delivery is not allowed to hotels, casinos, or businesses. That means your dispensary driver can’t legally bring your order to your room at Caesars or The Cosmopolitan. Delivery must go to a private residence, like an Airbnb or house rental. If you’re staying on the Strip, your best bet is to pick up from a licensed dispensary nearby.
3. “Dispensaries are all over the Strip.”
Surprisingly, they’re not. You won’t find a legal cannabis dispensary inside a casino or on the main Strip. Nevada regulations prevent dispensaries from operating too close to casinos. While there are many well-known dispensaries like Planet 13, The Source, or Thrive Cannabis Marketplace, they’re typically located just off the Strip. Be cautious of any storefronts selling cannabis-like products directly on Las Vegas Boulevard—they may not be selling legal, licensed goods.
4. “Cannabis lounges are everywhere now.”
Cannabis lounges are slowly making their debut in Vegas, but they’re still limited. As of 2025, only a handful of licensed consumption lounges are operating, including NuWu Cannabis’s outdoor lounge and a few new state-licensed spots like Smoke and Mirrors. Many others are still awaiting approval or facing zoning hurdles. Don’t assume you can walk into just any lounge with a joint and chill—it’s best to check ahead and see which ones are open to the public.
5. “It’s legal, so I can take some home.”
Don’t do it. Taking cannabis across state lines—even to another legal state—is a federal offense. TSA won’t be actively searching for weed, but they are obligated to report any illegal substances found during screening. Whether you’re flying home to California, New York, or anywhere in between, leave your cannabis purchases in Nevada.
Stay Smart and Legal
The Las Vegas cannabis scene is evolving quickly, but tourists still need to be informed. If you’re visiting and want to enjoy cannabis, remember these key takeaways:
- Consume only in private residences or licensed lounges
- Buy only from licensed dispensaries
- Don’t smoke in public or hotel spaces
- Never try to travel with cannabis
With a little knowledge and planning, you can enjoy your Vegas vacation—and your cannabis—without running into legal trouble.
