In Nevada’s regulated cannabis market, transportation and distribution are tightly controlled aspects of the supply chain. Cannabis wholesalers, distributors, and transport companies must follow detailed rules established by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) to ensure product integrity, public safety, and regulatory compliance. Understanding these laws is critical for operators, as any violation can result in penalties, license suspension, or loss of business opportunities.
Licensing Requirements
Only licensed cannabis distributors in Nevada may legally transport cannabis or cannabis products between licensed facilities. A wholesale license alone does not grant transport authority—businesses must apply for and maintain a separate distributor license issued by the CCB. This ensures that only vetted entities with security protocols, financial transparency, and compliance systems are responsible for moving product.
Approved Transportation Vehicles
Vehicles used for cannabis transportation must meet strict standards. Regulations require enclosed, locked vehicles equipped with GPS tracking and alarm systems. The CCB mandates that vehicles cannot have external markings indicating cannabis contents, reducing theft risks. Each trip must be pre-planned, with manifests submitted and accessible for regulators and law enforcement if requested.
Manifests and Documentation
Every cannabis transfer must be documented in the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system, METRC. Distributors are required to generate manifests that specify the origin, destination, license numbers of facilities involved, description of products, quantities, and transport personnel. Drivers must carry a copy of the manifest during transit, and receiving facilities must reconcile all products against the manifest upon delivery. Any discrepancies must be reported immediately to the CCB.
Security and Personnel Standards
Transportation personnel must be employees of the licensed distributor, registered with the state, and pass background checks. Each transport typically requires two people present in the vehicle for security reasons. Cannabis wholesalers cannot subcontract transportation to unlicensed third parties. All vehicles must be continuously monitored, and in the event of an accident, breakdown, or attempted theft, distributors must notify the CCB without delay.
Restrictions on Routes and Delivery
Distributors are generally prohibited from deviating from approved transport routes without documented justification. Deliveries may only occur between licensed entities such as cultivation facilities, production plants, dispensaries, or testing laboratories. At no point may product be delivered to unlicensed locations or individuals. Cannabis products also cannot be stored in transport vehicles overnight unless expressly authorized under emergency provisions.
Packaging and Handling Requirements
Before transport, cannabis products must be sealed and labeled in accordance with state packaging laws. Open containers are strictly forbidden in transport vehicles. Temperature-sensitive products, such as edibles or beverages, must be transported under conditions that prevent spoilage. Nevada law emphasizes that packaging must remain intact and tamper-evident from origin to destination.
Compliance Oversight and Enforcement
The CCB conducts audits and inspections to ensure distributor compliance. Violations such as incomplete manifests, unauthorized subcontracting, or unsecured transport can result in significant fines. Repeat violations may lead to suspension or revocation of licenses. Compliance officers stress that meticulous recordkeeping and training are essential for avoiding penalties.
Importance for Wholesalers
For wholesalers in Nevada, transportation and distribution laws are more than just red tape—they are the backbone of product integrity and consumer safety. Following regulations ensures that cannabis products remain traceable, secure, and compliant at every stage of the supply chain. In a competitive market where trust and licensing stability matter, compliance with transportation laws is both a legal requirement and a business advantage.