Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission Rushes to Establish Rules by Voter Deadline
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission held its first meeting on Monday, with just three weeks to go before it must finalize rules for the state’s medical marijuana system. Voters overwhelmingly supported the legalization of medical marijuana in November, setting a July 1 deadline for the commission to establish regulations.
The commission has set a June 26 meeting to present draft regulations to the public for feedback. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m., but a location has not yet been determined.
Commission member Bruce Bailey emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline, stating, “The goal is that between now and July 1 that we certainly can come through with something we can show the public.”
The commission’s process is unconventional, as the Legislature did not pass a bill to establish a regulatory framework for medical marijuana. Instead, the commission will draft rules and regulations without legislative guidance.
The commission has appointed two members, Monica Oldenburg and Lorelle Mueting, who will serve six-year terms. Oldenburg was unanimously elected as the commission’s inaugural chairwoman.
The commission will operate on a shoestring budget of $30,000, which will be supplemented by the Liquor Control Commission. The commission will also lean on the Department of Health and Human Services for expertise in rulemaking.
The rulemaking process will have three phases: drafting, public hearing, and final adoption. The commission will engage with outside experts and interested parties during the drafting phase, and then hold a public hearing to allow Nebraskans to comment on the proposals.
Proponents of medical marijuana, including Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, are urging the commission to take the issue seriously and create a system that allows patients to access medical cannabis legally.
The commission is set to begin issuing medical cannabis registrations on October 1.
