Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a cannabis in Reno, NV. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Cannabis extraction/processing requires hazardous materials permit
Required post-final building/fire inspection
Cannabis businesses have strict size/location limits per LVMC 15.04
Required for all cannabis retail/production per IFC Chapter 9
Cannabis consumption lounges require plan review
Required for all employers with one or more employees in Nevada, including part-time and temporary workers. Sole proprietors may elect out, but corporate officers in LLCs must be included unless formally excluded. Applies to cannabis businesses regardless of license type.
Required for security vaults, HVAC upgrades per cannabis standards
Cannabis facilities must meet Chapter 30 CCC building codes
Required for all LLC formation in Nevada. Cannabis businesses must also file subsequent annual lists.
Required for ALL Nevada businesses, including cannabis LLCs. Separate from cannabis-specific licenses.
REQUIRED for all owners, officers, directors, and employees of cannabis establishments (18+). Fingerprinting and background check required. Effective post-2021 CCB transition.
Specific license type depends on operations (e.g., Retail Marijuana Store, Cultivation Facility). Prerequisites include local approval, security plan, financial docs. See fee schedule: https://ccb.nv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CCB-Fee-Schedule-2023.pdf (effective 2023).
Mandated under NRS 453D.350 and NAC 453D.370 for all state-licensed cannabis establishments (cultivation, production, testing, dispensary, distribution). Minimum $2 million per occurrence and $4 million aggregate coverage required. Must name the State of Nevada as additional insured.
A surety bond of $10,000 is required for each licensed premises under NAC 453D.360. The bond ensures compliance with Nevada’s cannabis laws and regulations. Applies to all license types (cultivator, manufacturer, dispensary, distributor, testing lab).
Required under Nevada law (NRS 485.185) for any business operating vehicles registered as commercial. Applies to cannabis businesses using delivery vehicles or transporters. Minimum liability limits: $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage. Higher limits may be required for interstate transport.
While not explicitly named as 'product liability,' Nevada requires comprehensive liability insurance covering operations including product use (NAC 453D.370). This includes coverage for bodily injury or property damage arising from cannabis products sold. Minimum $2 million per occurrence and $4 million aggregate required. Integral to general liability policy for all cannabis licensees.
Not legally required for cannabis businesses in Nevada. However, testing laboratories and consultants may benefit from E&O coverage. State regulations do not mandate professional liability insurance for license approval.
Cannabis businesses in Nevada are not permitted to sell or serve alcohol under current law (NRS 453D). Therefore, liquor liability insurance is not required. Mixed-use establishments (e.g., cannabis + alcohol) are prohibited.
Required for medical-only or dual medical/adult-use facilities. Most new businesses pursue adult-use via CCB.
Applies to ALL businesses using trade names/DBAs, including cannabis LLCs.
Required for ALL Nevada LLCs post-formation. Cannabis businesses must list all Agent Card holders.
The Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) applies to businesses with taxable gross revenue exceeding $1 million annually. Cannabis businesses must register even if below threshold to ensure compliance. Effective July 1, 2020.
Separate cannabis-specific endorsement required under LVMC 6.95; must reference state cannabis license
Cannabis operations require special use permit + business license per CCBC Title 7
Cannabis restricted to specific zoning districts (e.g., C-2+ with 1,000ft buffer); LVMC 19.12.080
Cannabis dual-licensed facilities require public hearing approval (CCC Title 30)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique tax ID number assigned by the IRS to businesses operating in the United States. You need an EIN to file federal taxes, open a business bank account, and hire employees.
IRC Section 280E disallows standard business deductions for businesses trafficking in controlled substances, including cannabis. This means you can only deduct direct costs associated with sales, significantly increasing your tax burden.
The Federal Trade Commission requires all advertising to be truthful and non-misleading, and cannabis advertising is subject to these rules. You must avoid making unsubstantiated health claims and clearly disclose any risks associated with your products.
No, there is currently no federal license available for cannabis businesses due to its continued status as a Schedule I controlled substance. Cannabis businesses must operate in compliance with state laws, but are subject to federal regulations.
Costs vary; Professional Liability Insurance can range from $500 to $2000, while other requirements like EINs are free. Fees for compliance with the DEA and IRS vary depending on your specific circumstances and tax obligations.
Permit Finder asks follow-up questions to give you an exact list of permits.
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