Many people are under the mistaken belief that the rule of law does not apply to Burning Man, the highly unorthodox week-long festival that erupts every August in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Burning Man celebrates freedom of expression, but that does not include using illegal drugs. “Burners” all are subject to Washoe County, Nevada state, and Federal drug laws.
Burners report of rampant, mind-altering drug use on the “playa.” But any possession, use, or sale of controlled substances is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, undercover police infiltrate Burning Man for the express purpose of finding drug users and other law-breakers.
Nevada drug laws are among the harshest in the nation. Burners who get arrested for selling drugs face several years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. And Burners arrested for trafficking drugs (which can include simply possessing a large quantity of drugs) can face life in prison. For more information about what to do if you get arrested at Burning man, read our informational article what to do if you get arrested at Burning Man.
