Nevada mandates a robust regulatory framework for cannabis distributors, overseen by the Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB), to ensure a safe, traceable, and transparent supply chain. Under NRS Chapter 678B and 678D, cannabis distributors must obtain a state license to legally transport products between state‑licensed facilities—such as cultivation sites, manufacturers, testing labs, and retail outlets.
Licensing & Permits
Before any operation can commence, distributors must secure a specific distribution license, per AB 76, reinforcing that only approved entities engage in purchasing or selling cannabis products. Additionally, they must comply with all local zoning and municipal regulations, such as those enforced in Clark County and Las Vegas.
Seed‑to‑Sale Tracking via Metrc
Distributors are required to fully participate in Nevada’s mandatory Metrc system. This involves tagging every plant or package with a unique RFID, and logging all movements—harvests, transfers, sales, and waste disposal—within strict timelines to maintain auditability. Failure to do so can result in penalties or license suspension for missing or untracked inventory.
Packaging, Labeling & Product Integrity
Under NCCR Regulation 12, distributors must ensure all shipments are sealed, labeled, and packaged per CCB standards. This includes potency, cannabinoid content, batch numbers, origin identification, and tamper-evident seals. Packages must also include Certificates of Analysis, confirming compliance testing for potency, contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial agents.
Security & Transportation Standards
In addition to sealed containers, state regulations require distributors to use FEMA‑rated vehicles equipped with secure compartments and maintain temperature controls for perishable products. Vehicles must also have GPS or similar tracking during transit. Security protocols—including logbooks for drivers, limited vehicle access, and real‑time incident reporting—are mandatory to detect deviations or diversion attempts.
Facility Compliance & Monitoring
Distribution centers are held to the same stringent GMP standards as other cannabis establishments. Under Regulation 10, facilities must establish written SOPs for inventory control, labeling, sanitation, quality assurance, cross-contamination prevention, and record retention. Employees must be trained in hygiene and handling practices controlled by quality control units.
Security Infrastructure
While many regulations focus on cultivation facilities, distributors are also subject to robust security requirements. Proposed updates (June 2024) specify video surveillance with 24‑hour recording (1080p at ≥15 fps), real-time remote access for law enforcement, secure data storage for at least 30 days, alarm systems, and intrusion notification protocols.
Audits, Testing & Enforcement
CCB audits include periodic inspections of facilities, vehicles, and Metrc records. Non-compliant distributors may face fines, license suspensions, or revocation. In notable cases—such as the suspension of a North Las Vegas grow operation for untracked inventory—distributors are warned of serious repercussions for loss of traceability. The Board also issues advisories—e.g., for pesticide contamination—to protect public health.
Evolving Legal Landscape
Nevada continually updates cannabis regulations. The CCB, established in 2020, regularly refines enforcement mechanisms, reduces fines under certain conditions, and emphasizes corrective action plans. Distributors must stay current with legislation like SB 195 and AB 76, which adjust licensing criteria and compliance expectations.