Medical Marijuana Regulation Bill Fails to Advance in Nebraska Legislature
A bill aimed at regulating medical marijuana in Nebraska has stalled after a first-round debate in the state legislature. The bill, LB677, was introduced by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft and sought to establish state regulations for the use of medical marijuana, following the passage of a voter-approved initiative in November.
Despite widespread support from voters, the bill failed to advance, with a cloture vote ending in a 23-22 defeat. The debate comes as Governor Jim Pillen recently appointed members to the newly formed Medical Cannabis Commission, which is responsible for implementing the state’s medical marijuana laws.
Critics of the bill, including some law enforcement officials and state leaders, have continued to express opposition to legalization and regulation of medical marijuana. In recent days, 15 Nebraska sheriffs signed a letter to the legislature voicing their opposition to the bill.
The Medical Cannabis Commission is tasked with implementing the state’s medical marijuana laws, which were officially put in place in December. The commission has two deadlines to meet: July 1 and October 1. The public will have the opportunity to submit comments on the commission’s candidates, Dr. Monica Oldenburg and Lorelle Mueting, before a hearing on May 22.
Despite the setback, advocates for medical marijuana regulation remain hopeful that the issue will be revisited in the future.
