Nevada Moves to Allow Foster Parenting for Individuals With Past Marijuana Convictions

Nevada Moves to Allow Foster Parenting for Individuals With Past Marijuana Convictions

In a significant shift toward cannabis policy reform, Nevada lawmakers have advanced legislation that would allow individuals with certain past marijuana convictions to become eligible foster parents.

Assembly Bill 107 (AB 107) passed unanimously in the Assembly (42-0) and was approved in the Senate with strong support (19-2). The bill is now awaiting the signature of Governor Joe Lombardo.

Under current law, Nevada prohibits anyone with a drug-related conviction—state or federal—from fostering a child. AB 107 would revise this policy by creating an exception for individuals with low-level marijuana possession convictions, as long as the conviction occurred more than five years ago.

This move is part of a broader trend to reevaluate outdated restrictions that no longer align with public attitudes or Nevada’s own marijuana laws. The state legalized adult-use cannabis in 2016, yet existing policies still penalize individuals for prior legal issues tied to what is now lawful behavior.

“Nevada’s foster care ban no longer aligns with public attitudes toward marijuana,” said NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano. “It’s time to remove these outdated policies so that cannabis consumers aren’t unfairly disqualified from opportunities like fostering children.”

Nevada joins a growing list of states reconsidering how past marijuana convictions affect adoption and foster care eligibility. Reform advocates can track marijuana legislation and take action using NORML’s state-by-state legislative guide.