Is Fake Cannabis Our Biggest Tourist Scam?
Last week, we asked our listeners and newsletter readers to tell us about the biggest tourist scams you’re all seeing in Las Vegas. And overwhelmingly, the number one response was the “fake cannabis” stores on Fremont Street. Yep — despite the green crosses and marijuana leaves all over their signs, none of their products will actually get you high. So how are they getting away with this… and why should locals care if tourists get a little swindled on Fremont Street?
Today on City Cast Las Vegas, lead producer Sonja Cho Swanson talks with Scot Rutledge, a government and regulatory affairs specialist at Argentum Partners — he managed the 2016 campaign to legalize adult-use recreational cannabis. Scot visited one of these “fake cannabis” stores over the weekend and explains how they’re getting away with selling the pre-rolls, gummies, and bud that don’t contain enough THC to get even the most enthusiastic tourist high.
Have you seen the fake cannabis stores in Las Vegas? Post a pic and tag us on social media: We’re @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram. And if you’ve thoughts on today’s episode, let us know: call or text us at 702-514-0719.
Want some more Las Vegas news, events, and commentary? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Las Vegas and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Vegas Goes All in on K-Pop and Korean Culture
Las Vegas has quietly emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing hubs for Korean culture — and starting today, K-pop juggernaut BTS...
Another 10 Years of Formula 1 in Vegas? Plus, Destructive Winds and a Report Card on All-Inclusive Hotel Deals
Formula 1 could be calling Las Vegas home through 2037, but is a decade-long commitment actually good for locals and small businesses? Pl...
Does Las Vegas Need a Second Arts District?
The Arts District is thriving — maybe too much. Parking headaches, noise complaints and a valley that keeps growing have us asking: does...
'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
Would Las Vegas be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more...
A Grocery Store Shooting Stuns the City, a Gas Tax Holiday for No One, and Vegas Spends $25K on Influencers
The suburban southeast of Las Vegas was stunned early this week after a gunman shot and killed his ex-wife and her husband at an area gro...
Drug Use at EDC and What's Being Done to Solve It
Thousands upon thousands of lightly-dressed partiers will descend on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for EDC. But as they head...
Grassroots Gubernatorial Candidate Alexis Hill’s Vision for Nevada
Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill is running for Nevada governor as a self-described grassroots candidate challenging the Democratic...
Teens Shut Down Foodie Fest, an Immersive Filipino Feast, and Is Vegas Good For Jobseekers?
Teens shut down the Great American Foodie Fest after brawls forced organizers to close early for the first time in 14 years — so what wen...
2025 Was an Awful Year for the Strip. Will 2026 Be Any Better?
Last year, the Las Vegas Strip had its worst tourism year since the pandemic, with a visitation falloff supercharged by steep declines in...
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
Las Vegans, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number o...