A licensed cannabis transporter must be well-prepared during a traffic stop to stay compliant and avoid legal pitfalls. Here’s a step‑by‑step breakdown:

1. Documentation On Hand

• Always carry current licensing documents: distributor license, vehicle/motor carrier permits, and employee IDs. Nevada requires each agent to hold a cannabis establishment registration card or temporary authorization.
• Have a transportation manifest generated via the state “track and trace” system. It must detail: vehicle info, departure/arrival times, origin/destination addresses and license numbers, agent names, and quantities transported.
• Also carry proof of insurance, valid driver’s license, and vehicle registration for any vehicle transporting cannabis.

2. Secure, Unmarked Transport

• Use a vehicle that’s unmarked—no cannabis logos or branding—per state regulations.
• Packages must be locked, sealed, and stored in a lockbox or locked cargo area inaccessible from the cab.
• Cannabis must be unseen from outside, with boxes locked and preferably secured to prevent shifting.
• The vehicle should be equipped with an audible alarm system, plus optional motion or panic alarms.

3. Employee Conduct and Role

• Only licensed personnel or security staff may ride in the vehicle. In Nevada, agents must be over 21, registered, and carry credentials.
• If the shipment’s value exceeds $25,000, at least two agents must accompany the load.
• Agents must report any crashes, unauthorized stops, theft, or breakdowns to both the licensing authority and their employer—typically within two hours.

4. Interaction During the Traffic Stop

• Remain calm, polite, and cooperative. Professionalism reduces suspicion.
• Present documents upon request—license, manifest, insurance, registration, and IDs.
• Do not open containers or allow officers to handle packages; state law generally prohibits tampering.
• If a law enforcement officer wants to inspect the vehicle, most regulations allow inspections at any time at licensed sites or during transport. Comply within legal bounds, and note timing and inspector identity.

5. Stay Within Approved Routes and Protocols

• Transporters must stick to pre-approved routes, only stopping as scheduled for fuel, rest, or repairs.
• No voluntary detours or personal errand stops are permitted.
• Crossing state lines is strictly illegal, even between two cannabis‑legal states—federal law still prohibits interstate transport of cannabis.

6. Understanding Impaired Driving Laws

• Operators must be unimpaired. Driving under influence of marijuana is illegal, and many states apply zero‑tolerance or per se THC blood limits (e.g., Nevada’s 2 ng/mL threshold).
• Enforcement may include field sobriety, oral fluid tests, or blood draws. THC metabolite tests may lead to false positives due to long retention in the body.
• Transporters should err on the side of caution and avoid cannabis consumption for at least 24–48 hours before driving, especially on duty.

7. Post‑Stop Follow‑Up

• Record the stop in internal logs—time, location, cause, and any enforcement interaction.
• If any irregularities occurred (e.g., seizure, ultimatums), report them immediately to regulatory authorities as required by policy.

Why It Matters

Secure, compliant practices protect both public safety and business integrity. Improper transport can result in fines, license suspension, vehicle seizure, or criminal charges—especially given complexities of federal prohibition.