Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission Appointees Face Scrutiny
The General Affairs Committee in Nebraska spent over an hour questioning the two newest appointees to the Medical Cannabis Commission, Lorelle Mueting and Dr. Monica Oldenburg. The pair made their case for why they applied for the positions and shared their qualifications.
During the questioning, committee members asked Mueting and Oldenburg if they would restrict forms of medical cannabis or advocate for changes while serving on the commission. Mueting noted that state statute does not explicitly state whether the commission has the power to restrict forms, leaving her unsure if they could do so. She suggested that the commission should research other states’ approaches to medical cannabis and consider the benefits and drawbacks of different methods.
Oldenburg, a physician, expressed her general opposition to smoking, citing its negative effects on lung health. However, she acknowledged that the commission’s current powers do not allow for restrictions on forms of medical cannabis.
When asked about creating a list of eligible ailments, both Mueting and Oldenburg agreed that it is not within the commission’s current powers. Oldenburg suggested that the commission could have a conversation about research to determine what constitutes a reasonable condition for medical cannabis use.
The committee also heard from members of the public, with some testifying in support of the appointees and others expressing opposition. Critics argued that Mueting and Oldenburg have a history of expressing concerns about medical cannabis, which could hinder the commission’s progress.
Both Mueting and Oldenburg must be confirmed by the full legislature before officially taking their positions on the Medical Cannabis Commission.
