Recreational pot sales set to get underway in Pahrump

A recent ruling by a judge in Carson City has opened the door for the legal sale of recreational marijuana beginning Saturday in Pahrump.

Judge James Wilson handed down the order last week on June 20.

As a result, Pahrump’s Grove marijuana dispensary will offer recreational marijuana to those who are at least 21 years of age beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The facility is at 1541 E. Basin Ave.

Nevada voters approved last November’s ballot question making it lawful for a person 21 years of age or older, to purchase and consume one ounce or less of marijuana other than concentrated marijuana, or one-eighth of an ounce or less of concentrated marijuana.

It would also make it lawful for a person 21 years of age or older to cultivate not more than six marijuana plants for personal use, as well as obtain and use marijuana paraphernalia.

Additionally, approval of the ballot measure increases public revenue due to revenue collections from license fees for marijuana establishments and the 15 percent wholesale marijuana excise tax.

Expanding business hours

In a news release, Demetri Kouretas, CEO of The Grove, said he’s excited to be a part of a growing industry in the state.

“We will be able to share our knowledge and great customer service with new customers,” Kouretas said. “As the only dispensary in the county, we hope to set a standard for the cannabis industry in Pahrump. The Grove’s knowledgeable budtenders will be available for new and returning customers to provide a one-on-one experience and answer questions.”

Additionally, the dispensary will be expanding its business hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily starting on Saturday.

Additional players

Along with the legalization of recreational marijuana comes the opportunity for employment, as the Grove now has brand new neighbors at its complex.

Drew Gennuso, owner of Cannabis Card and Trim Ready, recently set up shop to assist those seeking a medical marijuana card.

“On Sunday, we drove our Las Vegas training class to Pahrump to actually do the training,” he said. “Actually, we are technically open now, but our real grand opening was this Thursday at 11 a.m. We are licensed in Pahrump as Cannabis Cards as well as Trim Ready.”

Gennuso addressed a question many local residents no doubt have, regarding the marijuana industry.

When recreational marijuana becomes legal on Saturday, why would anyone purchase a medical marijuana card?

“Beyond just the savings, there is obviously going to be a tax difference by about 15 percent with the potential for more,” he cautioned. “A lot of patients will want to stay on the medical side because eventually there will be differences in the products. For example, medical patients will be looking for their medical grade product, while the recreational adult user is kind of looking for something that will be able to hold them over for the weekend for whatever their supply is.”

Beyond just the price concern, Gennuso also said much is considered when the issue comes down to the level of care for medical marijuana patients.

“If you are a medical patient who is traditionally getting a lot of assistance from the dispensary, you want to make sure that you stay on the medical side so the people at The Grove will know that you are there for medicinal purposes rather than recreational adult use purposes.”

Securing a medical marijuana card

Gennuso also said his business offers competitive prices for those wanting to obtain a medical marijuana card.

“We are one of the more affordable companies and we currently charge $225 for one year and that is all-inclusive,” he said. “Basically, that includes the $100 state fee. For renewals, we charge $175, plus we take off $50. One thing that makes this very unique is that we also have a doctor licensed in California that can evaluate patients who are travelers. If you have a non-Nevada identification card, such as a passport or military ID or even an out-of-state driver’s license, you can actually come to our office and get a recommendation at $60 for six months.”

Gaining entry

Additionally, Gennuso noted that those interested in entering the marijuana industry can learn more by just stopping into Cannabis Cards.

“Actually, some of the employees at the Grove currently, were trained by us,” he said.

“If anybody is looking to get into the cannabis industry, and they want information on employment, or owning their own business or even the laws, they can stop by our location and get all of the information they need as far as working in the cannabis industry and potentially being an owner and operator. I also want to let people know that we have a training company in Pahrump with a little more than 2,000 graduates, since starting back in 2015,” Gennuso said.

The time has come

On the issue of legal marijuana sales, Gennuso said he figured that the time would eventually come, as society became more educated in the industry.

“I grew up in California and I’ve been in the industry since 2009 on and off,” he said. “I kind of always saw it coming, but I just never thought it would come out of the shadows so quickly.”

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes