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AB 149

Revises provisions relating to cannabis. (BDR 56-51)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Max Carter

AB 149 allows the Cannabis Compliance Board to share confidential cannabis data with approved research institutions to support direct research funded for the UNLV Cannabis Policy I

(No further action taken.)
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Bill Summary · AB 149

Summary — AB 149 (2025)

Revises provisions relating to cannabis; requires the Cannabis Compliance Board to adopt rules to share Board data with researchers and provides an appropriation to UNLV’s Cannabis Policy Institute (CPI).

Main purpose and intent

AB 149 creates a regulatory framework authorizing the Cannabis Compliance Board (the Board) to enter into agreements with qualified research institutions to share information and data maintained by the Board — including information otherwise classified as confidential — for the purpose of cannabis-related research. The bill also directs state funding to the Cannabis Policy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to support staffing, operations and research.

Key provisions

  • Regulatory authority
    • Amends NRS 678A.450 to require the Board to adopt regulations that establish procedures for entering into data‑sharing agreements with "research institutions."
    • Defines “research institution” as a university, college, or other organization whose principal purpose includes medical, scientific or academic research.
    • Amends NRS 678A.470 to authorize disclosure of confidential Board information to research institutions in accordance with the Board’s regulations.
  • Appropriations to UNLV CPI
    • Provides appropriations to the Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV for personnel, operating and travel expenses and for research costs.
    • Committee documents and amendment materials specify $657,241 in each year of the 2025–2027 biennium for personnel/operating/travel and $1,000,000 in each year of the biennium for research; remaining balances revert to the State General Fund (per the committee filing).
    • Adopted amendment language clarifies that appropriated research funds are intended for direct research costs (researcher salaries, stipends, project travel, materials), not indirect/overhead costs.
  • Other technical/administrative directions
    • The Board’s regulations must address safeguards and procedures for sharing data, consistent with existing confidentiality provisions in NRS 678A.470.

Who is affected

  • Cannabis Compliance Board — must adopt implementing regulations and manage data‑sharing agreements.
  • Research institutions (universities, colleges, eligible research organizations) — may gain authorized access to Board-maintained cannabis data for research purposes.
  • Cannabis Policy Institute (UNLV) — recipient of state appropriations to support research and institute operations.
  • Cannabis licensees and registrants — their information classified as confidential under NRS 678A.470 may be disclosed to approved researchers under the program’s safeguards.

Fiscal and procedural notes / timeline

  • Fiscal note: “Effect on Local Government: No.”; “Effect on the State: Contains Appropriation not included in Executive Budget.”
  • The bill (as reprinted with amendments) limits appropriation use to direct research costs per a requested amendment from CPI leadership.
  • Legislative action: Passed both houses; enrolled and presented to Governor; approved (chaptered) by the Governor on September 17, 2025 — Chapter 106, Statutes of 2025.
  • No specific statutory deadline is set in the bill text for when the Board must adopt the required regulations; implementation timing will follow the Board’s rulemaking schedule.

Potential impact

  • Enables academic and policy research using Board data that previously was restricted, which could inform policy, public health, regulatory practice, and industry analysis.
  • Provides targeted state funding to build Nevada-based cannabis research capacity at UNLV, while attempting to limit use of funds to direct research expenses.
  • Requires the Board to balance research access with confidentiality protections; the details of data safeguards will be set in forthcoming regulations and agreements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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