Last November, Nevada voters legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Weed had been legal in the state for medical use since 2001. But when it opened up to everyone on July 1 of this year, the demand was such that it overwhelmed the state's supply.
“Based on reports of adult-use marijuana sales already far exceeding the industry’s expectations at the state’s 47 licensed retail marijuana stores, and the reality that many stores are running out of inventory, the Department must address the lack of distributors immediately,” the Nevada Tax Commission said in a statement."
Now Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval is endorsing a "statement of emergency" to address the weed shortage.
[Related: Four states legalize all marijuana.]
The emergency regulations will kick in tomorrow and will make it easier for distributors to get licenses to sell pot.
“Unless the issue with distributor licensing is resolved quickly, the inability to deliver product to retail stores will result in many of these people losing their jobs and will bring this nascent market to a grinding halt. A halt in this market will lead to a hole in the state’s school budget,” the agency continued.Sandoval's office clarified that a "state" of emergency is reserved for natural disasters. Whereas a "statement" of emergency -- like this one -- allows for "a prompt response to a temporary situation."
Now that's a politician looking out for the people.