On June 2, 2025, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 107 (AB107), a groundbreaking piece of legislation that marks a significant shift in the state’s foster care system. This bill eliminates a long-standing barrier that disqualified individuals with past marijuana convictions from becoming foster parents or working in foster care homes. The move reflects Nevada’s evolving stance on cannabis, aligning foster care policies with the state’s progressive marijuana laws, which include platforms like Marijuana Online, Marijuana Wholesale, and Marijuana White Label services that have flourished since legalization. This blog post explores the implications of AB107, its journey through the legislature, and its potential to reshape foster care in Nevada, supported by facts and figures that underscore its significance.

A Response to Changing Times

Nevada’s relationship with cannabis has transformed dramatically since voters legalized adult-use marijuana in 2016 through a statewide ballot initiative. Despite this, outdated state laws continued to penalize individuals with marijuana-related convictions, particularly in the foster care system. Prior to AB107, any conviction for possession, distribution, or use of a controlled substance—including marijuana—automatically disqualified someone from fostering a child or working in a foster home. This restriction was increasingly misaligned with public sentiment and the state’s thriving cannabis industry, which includes Marijuana Online platforms for retail, Marijuana Wholesale for bulk distribution, and Marijuana White Label for branded products. As Ashley Kennedy, a lobbyist for Clark County, noted, “Over the years, we have lost qualified, caring individuals due to former criminal records, particularly from marijuana convictions related to possession that were over 20 years old or longer.” AB107 addresses this disconnect by carving out an exemption for low-level marijuana possession convictions older than five years, provided they did not involve intent to sell.

The Legislative Journey of AB107

The path to AB107’s passage was a testament to bipartisan support and a shared recognition of the need for reform. Sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, the bill was first introduced in the Nevada Assembly, where it received unanimous approval with a 42-0 vote in April 2025. The Senate followed suit on May 23, passing the measure with a 19-2 vote, reflecting broad consensus across political lines. By May 28, AB107 was on Governor Lombardo’s desk, and his signature on June 2 made it law, effective immediately. The bill’s swift journey through the legislature highlights the urgency of addressing foster care shortages in Nevada, where Clark County alone has over 3,000 children in foster care but fewer than 900 licensed foster homes. By removing outdated barriers, AB107 opens the door for more qualified individuals to step into these critical roles, potentially bolstered by the state’s progressive cannabis policies that support Marijuana Online accessibility and Marijuana Wholesale markets.

Addressing the Foster Care Crisis

Nevada’s foster care system has long faced a shortage of licensed homes, a challenge exacerbated by restrictive policies like the pre-AB107 ban on individuals with marijuana convictions. Republican Assemblymember Ken Gray, a co-sponsor of the bill, described it as a “game changer,” noting that Lyon County has only seven foster families. “Not only do these kids have to be taken away from their parents, they have to be taken away from their communities sometimes, and put in other counties and other schools,” Gray said. AB107 aims to alleviate this strain by expanding the pool of eligible foster parents. The bill maintains rigorous standards, requiring training, background checks, home inspections, and home studies, but it removes the automatic disqualification for low-level marijuana possession convictions older than five years. This change is particularly significant in a state where the cannabis industry, including Marijuana White Label branding, has become a cornerstone of the economy, generating billions in revenue and shifting public attitudes toward marijuana.

Impact on Communities and Individuals

The passage of AB107 is more than a policy tweak; it’s a step toward social justice and inclusivity. As NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano stated, Nevada’s former foster care ban “no longer aligns with public attitudes toward marijuana, nor does it align with the marijuana laws of Nevada or the surrounding states that regulate its use.” The bill acknowledges that past marijuana convictions, especially those from decades ago, should not define an individual’s ability to provide a loving home. For instance, Clark County’s Ashley Kennedy highlighted cases where qualified candidates were rejected due to possession convictions from over 20 years ago—convictions that are now irrelevant in a state where Marijuana Online platforms make cannabis legally accessible to adults. By removing this barrier, AB107 not only helps address the foster care shortage but also empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Broader Implications for Cannabis Policy

AB107 is part of a broader trend in Nevada and beyond to reform cannabis-related policies. In 2023, Governor Lombardo signed Senate Bill 277, which doubled marijuana possession limits and eased restrictions on individuals with prior felony convictions working in the cannabis industry, including Marijuana Wholesale and Marijuana White Label sectors. A 2023 study cited by Marijuana Moment found that states with legalized medical marijuana saw a nearly 20 percent drop in foster care entries due to parental drug misuse, suggesting that progressive cannabis policies can have positive ripple effects. While recreational legalization, as in Nevada, showed no significant change in foster care entries, the state’s move to align foster care policies with its cannabis laws reflects a commitment to fairness and pragmatism. AB107 could inspire other states to revisit similar restrictions, especially as public support for cannabis legalization grows and platforms like Marijuana Online make access easier.

Challenges and Criticisms

While AB107 has been widely praised, some child safety advocates argue that any drug-related conviction should disqualify potential foster parents. However, the bill’s proponents counter that it maintains strict standards, excluding convictions involving intent to sell or those within the past five years. This balanced approach ensures that only low-level, non-recent marijuana possession convictions are exempted, preserving the integrity of the foster care system. The bill’s overwhelming legislative support—61 to 2 across both chambers—suggests that most lawmakers believe it strikes the right balance between safety and inclusivity. As Nevada’s cannabis industry continues to thrive, with Marijuana Wholesale and Marijuana White Label businesses flourishing, the state is setting a precedent for how to integrate progressive drug policies with social services.

Looking Ahead

The signing of AB107 marks a pivotal moment for Nevada’s foster care system and its approach to cannabis policy. By removing outdated barriers, the state is poised to increase the number of foster homes, providing stability for thousands of children in need. The bill also reflects a broader cultural shift, recognizing that past marijuana convictions—often tied to laws that no longer exist—should not bar otherwise qualified individuals from fostering. As Nevada continues to lead in cannabis reform, with a robust industry supported by Marijuana Online platforms, Marijuana Wholesale markets, and Marijuana White Label innovations, AB107 serves as a model for other states grappling with similar issues. Governor Lombardo’s decision to sign this bill underscores Nevada’s commitment to aligning its laws with modern realities, ensuring that compassion and fairness guide its foster care system into the future.

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