Nevada Issues 'State Of Emergency' As Marijuana Industry Faces Shortage

The State of Nevada faces an "imminent and extreme" budget shortfall. The Nevada Department of Taxation has issued a Statement of Emergency as the marijuana industry is in danger of collapsing.

The Independent Alcohol Distributors of Nevada successfully blocked marijuana transportation between growers and retailers with a court injunction and now dispensaries are running low. That puts tens of millions of dollars of state fees and taxes in jeopardy.

Tim Conder of Blackbird, a medical marijuana distributor, explains why some alcohol distributors want a piece of the marijuana pie.

"There is the potential for a billion dollar industry just in distribution for them," Conder said. 

The Nevada Department of Taxation will meet Thursday to consider an emergency regulation to allow it to issue distribution licenses before the industry comes to a grinding halt.