Nevada Guide · Updated 2026
Nevada Cannabis & Pre-Employment Drug Testing
Recreational cannabis is legal in Nevada, and a 2019 law limits how employers can act on a positive pre-employment marijuana test. Workplace impairment and safety rules still apply.
Pre-employment marijuana screening (NRS 613.132)
It is unlawful to refuse to hire a prospective employee because a pre-employment screening test showed the presence of marijuana.
Exceptions
The protection does not apply to certain positions, including:
- Firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs);
- Motor-vehicle drivers who are subject to testing requirements;
- Positions that, in the employer's determination, could adversely affect the safety of others;
- Where it would conflict with an employment contract / collective-bargaining agreement or federal law or funding.
What employers can still do
- Prohibit possession, use, or impairment at work;
- Maintain a drug-free-workplace policy focused on impairment and safety;
- Apply reasonable-suspicion and post-incident testing consistent with the law.
Update your policy
Make sure your pre-employment screening and substance-abuse policy reflect NRS 613.132, and document which positions fall within the safety/driver exceptions.
This guide is general HR information, not legal advice, and doesn't replace legal counsel. Specifics should be tailored to your business and, for high-stakes or fact-specific matters, reviewed by a qualified Nevada employment attorney.
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