In a significant legislative move, Nebraska lawmakers have taken the initial steps to establish a medical cannabis program, following the state’s voter approval nearly two years ago. The Legislature’s decisive 46-2 vote marks the passage of the first bill related to this program.
The newly approved bill grants the Medical Cannabis Commission the power to determine application fees for dispensaries and manufacturers, while also mandating fingerprint submission for background checks by applicants. Additionally, it sets an annual compensation of $12,500 for commission members and establishes a cash fund for fee collection.
Crista Eggers, a representative from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, described the legislative achievement as bittersweet.
“But it’s not a success,” Eggers stated. “Success to those who worked on this, and to the voters as well, is when we have a regulated medical cannabis program that has adequate access to patients. And we are very very far from that day.”
Recently, the Medical Cannabis Commission released draft regulations that have drawn criticism from Eggers and other advocates for not aligning with state laws. The proposed rules include THC content restrictions and limitations on plant parts used, alongside imposing a 30-day renewal requirement for medical cannabis cards—factors seen as obstacles to patient access.
Eggers pointed out that while the bill caps application fees for dispensaries and manufacturers at $50,000, setting these fees at the maximum could deter businesses from entering the market. Nonetheless, Eggers emphasized the collaborative effort with lawmakers, acknowledging the bill as a technical win. She hopes the commission’s new salaried positions will lead to a more thoughtful approach.
“I believe that expectation is going to be higher now,” Eggers mentioned. “They have a hard job ahead of them and they knew what they were getting into.”
Eggers is also optimistic about another legislative proposal aimed at granting immunity from criminal prosecution to medical practitioners recommending cannabis, which she believes would fortify the progress made this session.
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