Nebraska Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Initiatives into Law
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed two medical marijuana initiatives into law, making the state the 39th to legalize medical cannabis. The signing comes after a long campaign by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, a group that has advocated for medical cannabis at the state Capitol and across the state for over a decade.
The initiatives, known as Initiative 437 and Initiative 438, allow doctors to recommend cannabis to their patients and for patients who have been recommended cannabis by a doctor to possess and use it. Initiative 438 establishes a regulatory process for medical marijuana, including the creation of a new commission responsible for developing regulations for medical marijuana businesses.
The signing of the initiatives was met with praise from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, with campaign manager Crista Eggers calling it a “win for Nebraskans patients and caregivers.” Eggers, whose son has severe intractable epilepsy, said the signing gives many individuals and families hope for the future.
Despite signing the initiatives into law, Governor Pillen has expressed reservations about the legality of the measures, citing federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. The governor and Attorney General Mike Hilgers have cautioned the public that the signing of the initiatives does not express a judgment on the validity of the measures and that serious issues remain about the initiatives’ legality under federal law.
Nebraska voters overwhelmingly supported both medical marijuana initiatives at the November 5 election, with Initiative 437 passing with over 70% of the vote and Initiative 438 receiving 67% support. The initiatives won in 70 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.
The new commission responsible for developing regulations for medical marijuana businesses will begin its work in July 2025, with medical marijuana outlets expected to begin applying for licenses in October 2025. The commission will include three members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, with Governor Pillen able to appoint two other members.
Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana plans to continue advocating for safe and regulated access to medical cannabis, with Eggers stating that the organization will participate in the regulatory process. The group also plans to continue advocating for parents of children with severe forms of epilepsy and other illnesses to be able to consult with their doctors about medical cannabis and walk away with more hope for their child’s future.
