Riana Durrett
Biography
Riana Durrett — a well-known figure in Nevada’s cannabis law and policy space — is the inaugural director of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó's Cannabis Policy Institute, which launched in 2023. She also teaches cannabis law and regulation courses at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó's William S. Boyd School of Law.
Durrett's background includes appointment by the governor as the first vice chair of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. Prior to her work with the compliance board, Durrett served from 2015 to 2020 as the executive director of the Nevada Dispensary Association, where she established the association as the primary resource on best practices in Nevada's cannabis industry — developing the Nevada Dispensary Association into the primary regulatory and government affairs voice for Nevada's cannabis industry.
In addition to her work at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó, Durrett currently serves on the boards of the Nevada Taxpayer Association and the Nevada Conservation League.
Durrett is an attorney admitted to practice law in Nevada and California. While pursuing her law degree, Durrett participated in several internship and externship programs, including a judicial internship for the Suquamish Tribe, where her mother is an enrolled tribal member.
Education
- LL.M., Gaming Law and Regulation, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó
- J.D., 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó
- B.A., Political Science, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó
Related Links
Riana Durrett In The News
Articles Featuring Riana Durrett
51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó Cannabis Policy Institute Releases Series of Reports on Nevada’s Cannabis Industry
Three new reports, shared during CPI's inaugural symposium, explore complexities of Nevada’s cannabis economy, national marketing strategies, and explosion of THC beverage market.
51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó Newsmakers 2024: August
A collection of news highlights featuring students and faculty.
51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó Newsmakers 2024: May and June
News highlights featuring 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.
Riana Durrett is Broadening the Reach of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó's Cannabis Policy Institute
By building relationships with members of the industry and other universities, the institute's director hopes to advance funding for research.