Black Rock City, LLC
Controlled Substance & Alcohol Use Policy
Excerpt from Terms on the back of the 2012 Burning Man Ticket to Black Rock City:
“You agree to read and abide by ALL rules in the Survival Guide and to follow federal, state and local laws.”
The use and possession of illegal drugs at (or near) Burning Man are violations of Federal,
State and County law. Depending on the particular offense and the citing agency, the possession of
marijuana may represent an infraction, a misdemeanor or a felony. Under federal law, possession of small
quantities of marijuana for personal use is a misdemeanor. This can result in the issuance of a ticket that
imposes a $525 fine. Nevada has very strict drug laws. Any possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor, with
a bail of $250 to $650, a fine of up to $600 and possibly required participation in a drug treatment
program. Possession of any other illegal drug is a felony offence with a bail in state court of $1,500 or a
misdemeanor with a fine of $250. Possession of 28 to 200 grams of some controlled substances is
punishable by 1 to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $50,000.
ALERT: Medical marijuana cards (from any state) are not recognized by the Federal
Government. The State of Nevada does not recognize medical marijuana cards from any
state other than Nevada. Possession of marijuana is a crime in the Black Rock Desert.
Having a medical marijuana card is not a defense. BE FOREWARNED!
The possession of any illegal drug with intent to distribute is a more serious felony offence.
The possession of large quantities or a variety of drugs may be interpreted as evidence of intent to distribute.
Furthermore, the act of distribution is not confined to the sale of such substances. It can mean any form of
distribution including gifts. Gifting an illegal substance, even a very small amount, is viewed as a
form of distribution. A conviction for distribution is punishable by imprisonment. State laws impose bail
ranging between $5,000 and $250,000. The courthouse is located in Lovelock, Nevada.
Giving illegal substances to another person (including an undercover officer) could rise to
the level of drug trafficking. If someone is asking you for drugs then they are not part of the
Burning Man community. Please avoid these people and/or report to law enforcement.
Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it to ingest a controlled substance is a violation
of the law. This offense is a misdemeanor under state and federal regulations. In some instances, this
offense can be punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
Undercover officers patrol Black Rock City and they use night vision goggles and other
technical equipment to detect illegal drug use and trafficking.
Serving alcohol to minors is a violation of the law. It is a misdemeanor in Nevada to give alcoholic
beverages to anyone under the age of 21, regardless of whether you are in your own tent or in a public place.
If your theme camp has a “bar” where alcoholic drinks are gifted, then the person serving alcohol should
check IDs. It is a State and local offence for anyone under 21 to consume alcoholic beverages
or to pass themselves off as being of age. It is a violation of Pershing County law for minors to even
possess alcoholic beverages. Please do your part to keep our under-aged participants safe and lawful!
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a violation of the law. Nevada’s blood alcohol limit (BAC) is .
08 for drivers 21 years of age and older, and 0.02 for drivers under 21. Note that the BAC is only a guide.
Drivers can be arrested and convicted for DUI with a lower BAC, or for driving under the influence of
controlled or prohibited substances. Be aware that you cannot refuse a test. By driving in Nevada you
automatically consent to breath or blood testing. Refusing a test is grounds for arrest.
Swiped from: http://www.burningman.com/media/doc/pdf/blm_stipulations/2012_drugalcoholpolicy.pdf
State law is, well, State Law. If you choose to violate that law, and get caught, there ya go.
I will kinda feel bad for laughing...Kinda
