Amsterdam in the desert.

"If you don't have the inclination to travel to Amsterdam, no worries. Amsterdam in the desert is coming to you. Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Nevada starting July 1."

Rob Astle


I called a friend from out of town yesterday to encourage him to attend the first annual Village Idiot Armada Days (VIAD) scheduled for June 22-26 in Las Vegas. After exchanging pleasantries he asks, "Are you going to talk about the marijuana business at VIAD?" I answer, "You bet! That and a number of other topics will be up for discussion." Not long ago, marijuana and its use were viewed as taboo by a majority of society. Oh, how times have changed. I read a CBS poll recently stating over 60% of the country feels marijuana should be legalized. A statement of that nature should serve as a notice to where things are going!

"So if I come to town and want to use marijuana can I just light one up and walk down the strip smoking it?" he says with a chuckle. "It's not that simple," I say with a hearty laugh of my own, "Right now the law states you are only permitted to consume marijuana in the sanctity of your own residence. Smoking in public is prohibited. Smoking at the resorts is also prohibited. The boundaries are very narrow."

"If I can't consume it in public, and I can't consume it at the resorts...where can I consume it?" he asks curiously - I tell him what I know - "According to what I understand, Las Vegas is in the process of designating certain enclaves as marijuana friendly zones. Meaning you can consume cannabis on its premises without any fear of repercussions," I then add, "I don't know exactly where those areas will be located at this point. But the day for legalization is approaching fast and marijuana tourism is being pitched left and right in Las Vegas, so I am assuming I will know all the schematics by the time VIAD starts."

We exchange a few more pleasantries and then he asks - "Are you exploring getting into the marijuana business? How many dispensaries are there in Las Vegas?" The answer to his latter question is thirty or so dispensaries currently exist in Clark County. The answer to his first question is a bit trickier - "Look, opening a dispensary is not feasible. But the thing that makes marijuana so enticing is the auxiliary business it will create. You've seen the numbers that Colorado does. Nevada is projected to top them. If you come out to VIAD, I will have a few player's in the industry there to better explain the future of cannabis." He tells me he will check on things and get back with me, he then adds - "Let's keep the line of communication open. You have me intrigued."

I don't want to scare anyone off who might be interested in attending VIAD. Marijuana talk may not be your cup of tea. But it would be amiss on my part if I don't address it. At this point everyone is familiar with the revenue Colorado and a handful of other states have generated by legalizing it. Not addressing it at VIAD would be akin to ignoring the eight hundred pound gorilla in the room.