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Washoe takes prohibitionist approach to cannabis lounges – The Nevada Independent

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Washoe takes prohibitionist approach to cannabis lounges – The Nevada Independent


Marijuana might be legal in Nevada, but that doesn’t mean elected officials are ready to treat the industry as a legitimate sector of our economy just yet. 

Washoe County commissioners recently voted against allowing cannabis consumption lounges to operate in its unincorporated parts — demonstrating just how difficult entrepreneurial progress often is for an industry long targeted by drug warriors, social scolds and prohibitionists of all stripes. 

As The Nevada Independent reported last week, the vote means SoL Cannabis won’t be able to move forward with plans to open Northern Nevada’s only lounge where adults would have been allowed to consume cannabis products on site. 

The vote is a setback for more than just one cannabis company. It’s a setback for the entire industry, as it demonstrated the headwinds faced by cannabis operators who have long struggled to escape the cultural clutches of the nation’s failed war on drugs. 

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Indeed, the entire concept of legalizing cannabis lounges has been an arduous battle for would-be entrepreneurs who have had to face political obstinance, regulatory challenges and cultural opposition to their emerging businesses. So far, only three businesses have been given preliminary approval by Nevada’s Cannabis Compliance Board to establish consumption lounges — and those three are still subject to local approval and regulations before moving forward. 

As we’ve seen recently in Washoe County, those local governmental hurdles are proving to be difficult to clear. 

Even in the city of Las Vegas, would-be lounge operators have faced political prejudice against their business model and products. Earlier this year, for example, Las Vegas city officials effectively dashed the hopes of a cannabis “district” downtown by adopting a plethora of regulatory requirements that require lounges to be located a minimum distance away from churches, parks, casinos and even other lounges. 

Indeed, if it wasn’t for the relatively friendly approach unincorporated Clark County has taken toward the industry — thanks largely to the efforts of Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom — it would be reasonable to wonder whether Nevada will ever actually see cannabis lounges become a reality. 

Ostensibly, Washoe County’s prohibitionist approach toward such businesses is in the interest of “public safety” — something about which many public commenters seemed highly concerned.

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“One thing that is lacking in the conditions [for cannabis consumption lounge licenses] is making sure that the lounges are on a public transportation route so people are not having to drive their own vehicles,” said Tracey Thomas, vice chair of the Washoe County GOP. 

Given that the Washoe County GOP probably won’t be lobbying for a massive expansion of public transit options any time soon, Thomas’ comments were effectively a call for prohibiting such establishments throughout much of the county. 

But are concerns over impaired driving really a valid justification for banning an entire business model in unincorporated portions of the county?  

Certainly, the possibility that patrons of a cannabis lounge might drive while high is real — but that’s likely true regardless of the establishment’s proximity to bus stops. Such potential (and illegal) behavior doesn’t merit banning an entire business model based on a lack of nearby commuter rail options. 

If it did, imagine the impact such standards would have on other industries that similarly impair people’s judgment and cognitive abilities. How many bars, taverns, casinos and restaurants serving alcohol currently lack the kind of direct access to public transit that Thomas suggests should be mandatory for a cannabis lounge? Should concern over intoxicated drivers be used to justify a new temperance movement throughout unincorporated Washoe County — or is fear over impaired driving being selectively applied to an industry that is just now beginning to emerge from the ruins of a failed five-decade war against drugs? 

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That’s not to say there aren’t legitimate public safety concerns related to the proliferation of cannabis lounges in Washoe County or elsewhere in the state. However, pushing the consumption of marijuana back underground through onerous regulations or outright prohibition does nothing to alleviate those concerns. After all, if the last half-century of America’s failed “War on Drugs” can teach us anything, it should be that prohibitionist public policies aren’t well known for putting an end to irresponsible drug use — nor do they do much to keep communities safe from it. 

To be sure, the legalization of cannabis lounges offers the industry a legitimacy it didn’t necessarily receive when Nevadans voted several years ago to merely make the industry legal. Even newly legalized sectors of the economy deserve the opportunity to grow and flourish. However, it also offers us a glimpse at just how persistently electeds have clung to the outdated cultural mores of that ill-advised drug war. 

Michael Schaus is a communications and branding expert based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and founder of Schaus Creative LLC — an agency dedicated to helping organizations, businesses and activists tell their story and motivate change. He has more than a decade of experience in public affairs commentary, having worked as a news director, columnist, political humorist, and most recently as the director of communications for a public policy think tank. Follow him at SchausCreative.com or on Twitter at @schausmichael.





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Nevada

Nevada governor to deliver address ahead of legislative session

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Nevada governor to deliver address ahead of legislative session


CARSON CITY — Gov. Joe Lombardo will give his 2025 State of the State Address at 6 p.m. today in Nevada’s capital, where he will share his goals and priorities ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

“I look forward to sharing the progress my administration has made since my inaugural address, and I’m excited to outline my common-sense vision for our state ahead of the upcoming legislative session,” Lombardo said in a statement, highlighting efforts to keep taxes low, balance the state budget and bring investments to education and the workforce.

“As we look ahead, I’m eager to build on our progress in education, economic development, healthcare, housing, and public safety,” he said.

Every biennium, two weeks ahead of the legislative session, the governor delivers a State of the State Address that outlines his agenda and provides a framework for what lawmakers can expect over the course of the 120-day session.

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In last November’s election, Lombardo successfully fended off a possible Democratic supermajority in both chambers that would have allowed Democrats to override any of his vetoes, greatly reducing his power. While Democrats still hold majorities in both the Assembly and Senate and can set their own agenda, any bill they pass must ultimately be signed into law by Lombardo, who is accustomed to wielding his veto power — having vetoed a record 75 bills in the 2023 session.

Ahead of the governor’s address, the Nevada State Democratic Party launched an ad titled “Expensive,” accusing Lombardo of raising costs for families due to his 2023 vetoes. The party pointed to housing bills that would have capped rent increases for seniors and would have established a new summary eviction procedure for tenants, as well as bills that would have guaranteed school meals to public school students and lowered the price of Medicare-negotiated prescription drugs.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Contact Jessica Hill at jehill@reviewjournal.com and McKenna Ross at mross@reviewjournal.com. Follow @jess_hillyeah and @mckenna_ross_ on X.

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Nevada gets past Air Force, 68-62, for second straight conference win; San Jose State is up next

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Nevada gets past Air Force, 68-62, for second straight conference win; San Jose State is up next


None of the Mountain West Conference games are going to be easy and Air Force proved that to Nevada on Tuesday night.

The Falcons took Nevada to the wire before the Pack recovered and came away with a 68-62 win in front of 7,430 fans at Lawlor Events Center on Tuesday.

Tre Coleman led Nevada with 18 points and nine rebounds and Kobe Sanders had 11 points as the Wolf Pack improved to 2-0 in the Mountain West, 10-7 overall. Coleman also had four assists and Sanders had five.

The six-point margin at the end was Nevada’s largest lead of the game.

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Next, Nevada hosts San Jose State, at 3 p.m. Saturday. The Spartans upset New Mexico, 71-70, on Tuesday.

There were 10 lead changes and seven ties. Air Force led, 60-59, with 3 minutes, 21 seconds left.

Kobe Sanders hit a bucket to give Nevada a 61-60 lead with 2:36 remaining, then Daniel Foster hit a 3-pointer to give the Pack some breathing room.

Ethan Taylor led the Falcons (3-14, 0-6) with 22 points and Kyle Marshall added 12.

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Nevada coach Steve Alford said he liked his team’s fight. saying they won the last four minutes of the first half, 12-4 and the last four minutes of the second half, 12-2.

Key Stats

Nevada was dismal from the free throw line, connecting on 10-of-23. including four straight in the final minute.

The Pack missed the front end of four free throws, which Alford said actually made them 10-of-27 from the stripe.

“If we make our foul shots, then this game is a different look,” Alford said. “It’s really an odd deal because we started out the year so well (on free throws) and now we’ve got to be one of the worst fouls shooting teams in the league. It was an ugly game because of our foul shooting.”

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Nevada had 30 points in the paint, to 18 for the Falcons.

Nick Davidson was 0-for-5 from the free throw line and he stayed well after the game Tuesday night shooting free throw after free throw. He had nine points and four assists in the game.

Air Force hit 10-of-27 from 3-point rahge and Nevad awas 6-of-014 from the arc.

Daniel Foster

Foster started and played 29 minutes, scoring five points on 2-of-4 from the field.

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Alford said Foster does what the coaches want him to do.

“Daniel has a incredibly competitive mind. He wants to win and he knows he can influence wins without scoring. He guards like crazy. He rebounds. He gets loose balls,” Alford said. “And now we’re asking him to play some point (guard) to help Kobe out.”

First Half

Air Force led 35-33 at the break after the Wolf Pack tied it at 33 . The Pack trailed by 11 (31-20) with 5:06 left in the half.

Nevada made just 2-of-8 free throws in the first half, including three misses on front ends of one-and-ones. The Pack was 3-of-9 from the arc. Air Force made 5-of-6 free throws and 6-of-12 from 3-pont range.

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The Series

Nevada leads the overall series with Air Force 18-3 and has won five straight in the series.

Up Next

San Jose State plays Nevada at Lawlor Events Center at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The Spartans (9-10, 2-5) beat New Mexico 71-70 on Tuesday night.

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Nevada’s Remaining Schedule

  • Jan. 18, San José State at Nevada, 3 p.m. (TV: KNSN, Radio: 95.5 FM)
  • Jan. 22, Nevada at Utah State, 6 p.m. (TV: FS1, Radio: 95.5 FM)
  • Jan. 25, Nevada at San Diego State, 7 p.m. (TV: CBS SN, Radio: 95.5 FM)
  • Jan. 29, Nevada at Boise State, 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 1, UNLV at Nevada, 8 p.m.
  • Feb. 4, Nevada at Air Force, 6 p.m.
  • Feb. 10, Fresno State at Nevada, 8 p.m.
  • Feb. 14, Nevada at San Jose State, 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 18, Nevada at Colorado State, 6 p.m.
  • Feb. 22, Boise State at Nevada, 3 p.m.
  • Feb. 25, Wyoming at Nevada, 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 28, Nevada at UNLV, 8 p.m.
  • March 4, New Mexico at Nevada, 6 p.m.
  • March 8, Nevada at San Diego State, 7:30 p.m.



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Las Vegas man reported missing in Nevada County found safe

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Las Vegas man reported missing in Nevada County found safe



CBS News Sacramento

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NEVADA COUNTY – Search crews were out in the Hoyt’s Crossing area of Nevada County, looking for a missing Las Vegas man who was reportedly last seen in that area over the weekend.

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The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said 29-year-old Michael McIntosh was last seen at Hoyt’s Crossing on Sunday.

As of Tuesday, search crews with the sheriff’s office along with California Highway Patrol were looking for him. A helicopter and crews on foot were involved in the search effort.

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐲𝐭’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

Nevada City, CA – The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, in…

Posted by Nevada County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, January 14, 2025

McIntosh was last seen wearing a blue flannel shirt, tan, pants, and no shoes. He was voluntarily missing, the sheriff’s office noted.

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Late Tuesday morning, the sheriff’s office announced that McIntosh had been found safe. No other details have been released. 

Hoyt’s Crossing is along the South Yuba River, about a half mile upstream of the South Yuba River Bridge. 





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