Senate bill sets limits on recreational marijuana use

By Cy Ryan

CARSON CITY — The state Senate today approved bills barring recreational marijuana in candy and prohibiting its use near juvenile facilities.

The state is preparing to issue licenses for the sale of recreational marijuana in July.

Senate Bill 344, approved unanimously, sets the standards for manufacturing and packaging marijuana. Advertising using cartoons or other images that might appeal to juveniles is prohibited.

The measure also requires packing include the amount of THC in the drug. THC is the substance that produces the drug’s high.

The Senate, on a 12-9 vote, approved allowing counties and cities to designate where marijuana can be used.

Senate Bill 236 would prohibit using marijuana in airports or within 1,000 feet of a school.

There would be a 300-foot boundary for use near parks, playgrounds, public swimming pools, places of worship and alcohol or drug rehabilitation centers.

Sen. Don Gustavson, R-Sparks, objected to the bill, saying marijuana use should be restricted to private homes.

The bills now go to the Assembly.