CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - The Nevada Supreme Court amended the state rules of professional conduct for lawyers to allow them to counsel clients on the state’s medical marijuana laws.
Court comment released Wednesday says “a lawyer may counsel a client regarding the validity, scope and meaning of Nevada constitution Article 4, Section 38,” which addresses the voter approved medical marijuana law, according to a report by the Las Vegas Review-Journal (https://bit.ly/1kNz8vH ).
The paper said that the comment was from six members of the court who heard the request for guidance from the Nevada State Bar.
The comment also said a lawyer “may assist a client in conduct the lawyer reasonable believes is permitted by theses constitutional provisions and statutes, including regulations, orders, and other state or local provision implementing them. In these circumstances, the lawyer shall also advise the client regarding related federal law and policy.”
Medical marijuana is legal in Nevada and the process is underway to license dispensaries, cultivation operations and kitchens to make edible pot products. But marijuana is still illegal under federal law, which causes a dilemma for attorneys.
The state Bar of Nevada asked the court on Tuesday for guidance, and the court had indicated it might take some time on the issue despite requests for speedy action. Wednesday’s unexpected ruling is effective immediately.
“The bar is gratified by the court’s appreciation of the urgency,” Alan Lefebvre, president of the State Bar, said in an email.
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