Las Vegas Authorities Install Marijuana Disposal Boxes at City Airport
As the old saying goes, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Now, this phrase also applies to marijuana for tourists visiting the famous resort city. Travelers can now dispose of any leftover marijuana products in special collection boxes for safe disposal before leaving the city.
Ten such marijuana disposal boxes were installed by city authorities at McCarran International Airport at the end of last week. The goal is to discourage tourists from smuggling leftover marijuana out of the state, making the job easier for federal agents responsible for flight safety. While personal use of marijuana has been fully legalized in Nevada since last year, federal law still classifies the plant as a strictly prohibited drug, with severe penalties for transporting it across state lines.
To ensure the safety of the collected substances, the boxes are made of thick metal and are securely bolted to the floor. In other words, it’s nearly impossible to access the contents without the proper key. “We hope this measure will help prevent minor marijuana smuggling on commercial flights,” said airport administration representative Christina Crews.
Until recently, Las Vegas police handled all incidents related to marijuana smuggling and use at McCarran Airport. However, according to officer Aden Ocampo-Gomez, since last September, these matters have been managed by airport security with the administration’s approval.
It’s worth noting that the idea of installing boxes for collecting leftover psychoactive products purchased by tourists is not new. Similar boxes have existed for several years at two airports in Colorado, successfully helping authorities collect potential contraband.
In any case, these boxes are expected to be even more useful at the Las Vegas airport, which sees over 48.5 million passengers annually. Many of them may be carrying leftover recreational marijuana, which has been legally sold in the state since July of last year. Although local laws strictly prohibit marijuana use on streets and in public places, marijuana shops have long reported a massive and steady influx of customers, both locals and tourists from other states and countries.
The boxes installed at the airport generally resemble regular trash bins, except for their different color and a label stating that the container is for “recreational and medical marijuana only.”
During the first few months, a private contractor hired by airport security will be responsible for emptying the boxes and transporting the marijuana for destruction several times a week. If usage increases, the airport administration plans to install an additional 20 boxes, as well as three more at the nearby car rental center.
In addition to McCarran, city officials also plan to install seven marijuana disposal boxes at smaller regional airports and some public institutions.