In 2016, voters in Nevada cast their ballots—and as a result, on July 1, 2017, the first adult use (recreational) cannabis sale was made.
A lot has changed in the past nine years, some things for the better—and others, not so much. The price of cannabis has dramatically changed, which has meant great deals for consumers, and a very challenging landscape for the 353 businesses currently licensed in Nevada (down from 659 in 2018).
While the landscape and products offered have changed, so, too, have the demand for cannabis and the taxes collected. Tax revenue peaked in 2021, partially as a result of many of us being locked indoors during the pandemic. Since that time, cannabis tax revenue has decreased by almost 40%. One significant factor is the ongoing decline in Las Vegas tourism, which accounts for more than 75% of all statewide sales. While recent blame for the Las Vegas slowdown has gone toward tariffs and a lack of foreign visitors, a closer look points to overpriced accommodations and a general sense that Vegas is no longer an affordable place to visit. Unfortunately for many of the state’s licensed operators, the decline in visitors, along with both the illicit market and the loopholes in hemp regulations, have led to almost 40% of licensed operators closing their doors.
Cannabis remains federally prohibited in the United States, which has led to opportunities for Canadian companies to acquire a growing stake in the domestic cannabis market, with between 30% and 50% of Nevada’s cannabis revenue now belonging to Canadian companies. While many view recent acquisitions as an evolution of the industry, others wonder if we are headed into a time and place where mega-corporations own the overwhelming majority of the offerings that consumers can access. On a brighter note, consolidation means that consumers, now more than ever, have the ability to vote with their hard-earned dollars. If you want to see locally owned and operated businesses continue to operate, then show your support.
You as a consumer are now legally allowed to possess 70 grams of regulated cannabis flower, or 7 grams of concentrated cannabis. All regulated cannabis isn’t held to the same standards, with many dispensaries operating on tribal land and, as a result, not being subjected to the same levels of scrutiny.
The tribal compacts that allow these sales also include language which makes the enforcement of state compliance infinitely more difficult. In addition, the taxes collected at these locations go directly to the tribes to provide services that are vital to these communities. Several of the largest brands within the state of Nevada are produced at tribal facilities—perhaps in an effort to take advantage of some of the tax or other loopholes that result from different tribal standards.
Consumers now have the ability to access a huge variety of products ranging from traditional pre-rolls and flower (bud) to sublingual tinctures, tablets, gummies and beverages. Whether you are a casual user or medical patient using this plant for medical reasons, please do so with caution. Please purchase your cannabis from a licensed regulated source—just like sushi, it shouldn’t be purchased at a gas station. The industry is constantly evolving; be mindful as you spend your hard-earned dollars.
A product that is gaining popularity is all-in-one or disposable vape rigs. While these products are convenient, billions of lithium-ion batteries that power these devices are being thrown away annually in the United States. While vaping has become increasingly popular, please think twice and perhaps purchase a battery that can be reused instead of these single use disposables.
Gummies are the fastest-growing segment for new consumers, as they provide an easy way to ingest cannabis. Please remember that less is more; go slow; and remember that overconsumption can be scary, so proceed with caution and ask for advice at your favorite dispensary.
CBD is growing in popularity due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and calming characteristics. CBD is also a very effective tool in offsetting the effects of overconsumption of THC. While it won’t instantly bring you down, it will significantly lessen the psychoactive (high) effects.
With many dispensaries offering deep discounts on volume purchases, it has never been easier to access regulated, taxed and laboratory-tested products. So sit back— and enjoy some of Nevada’s finest.
About SoL Cannabis
SoL is better—but why?
SoL Cannabis was founded in 2018 by a group of Nevadans with a simple vision to bring consumers the safest organically grown cannabis and cannabis products, at a fair price, in a one-of-a-kind facility. But why is SoL better?
SoL occupies five acres in beautiful Washoe Valley, Nevada, at 275 S. U.S. 395-ALT, with onsite cultivation and production, and a dispensary. It’s Nevada’s only sunlit facility with production and retail under a single roof.
Cannabis grown under the sun is considered by many to be superior, while others prefer warehouse-grown cannabis. We choose the sun for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s free and plentiful in Nevada. A similar-sized warehouse uses 10 times the power of our facility; we are an environmentally conscious company. We also believe that soil and sun are how this and all plants are intended to be grown, and many growers were forced into a warehouse due to prohibition. We believe that it’s our responsibility to provide you, the consumer, with products that protect not only you, but mother Earth. It is for this reason that we do not sell disposable vape pens, since an estimated 4 billion batteries are discarded un the U.S. annually. We will happily provide a cost-effective reusable power source.
We only sell .5 gram cartridges. We feel that when you heat larger multi-gram cartridges up to 500 times, the taste and physical properties of the oil are degraded, causing a burnt taste and perhaps failed hardware. We package as much of our flower as possible into recyclable glass so that no micro-plastics or excessive waste are produced. Our in-house edibles are strain- and effect-specific, not a distillate based “vanilla” experience. We want our indica (night time) Berry Coconut gummies to lull you to sleep and our sativa Pineapple Jalapeno (energetic) gummies to motivate you. We offer a whole host of options for specific experiences, and like all of our products, they originate from our sunlit greenhouse.
SoL was awarded the only cannabis consumption lounge license in Northern Nevada. We take great pride in remaining 100% locally owned and operated, with our owner onsite most days to greet you with a smile and probably some questionable humor.
We appreciate you and your continued support and remind you that everything we do—from food, coat, sock and toy drives, to our free concert series—is made possible through you and your continued support.
Please consider SoL when making cannabis purchasing decisions, and remember that without U, there would be no US.
Grounded in gratitude, Team SoL