Major General Ondra L. Berry named Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board chair

Military appointee takes helm of state regulator as Nevada cannabis market navigates federal reclassification and persistent compliance challenges.

FILE — statehouse · B.D. Gilfry / CC BY-SA 2.0

Major General Ondra L. Berry has been appointed chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board, the state regulator announced December 22. The appointment arrives as Nevada's cannabis oversight apparatus has faced mounting operational demands: the state currently oversees 106 retail licenses, 106 cultivation facilities, 84 manufacturing operations, and 8 testing labs.

Berry's leadership transition comes amid a period of significant regulatory activity. The board recently launched a public tracking system and impaired driving campaign, appointed Miles as acting executive director in March, and implemented a Metrc item catalog system in April. The state has also grappled with challenges including a 9% decline in cannabis sales tax revenue, ongoing illegal market competition, and standardized DUI testing gaps.

The appointment suggests an effort to strengthen governance as Nevada adapts to federal marijuana reclassification and ongoing industry expansion. Watch whether Berry's tenure shifts enforcement priorities or addresses the revenue pressures documented in recent coverage.