Omaha Tribe of Nebraska Advances Medical Cannabis Regulations
The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska has taken a significant step forward in establishing a regulated medical cannabis industry, despite the State of Nebraska’s opposition. The tribe’s Cannabis Commission passed its rules and regulations on medical marijuana, paving the way for applications to be accepted as early as December.
The commission aims to streamline the process, making it easier for applicants to submit their proposals. John Cartier, the tribe’s attorney general, emphasized the importance of transparency, suggesting that applicants provide detailed financial information, a list of shareholders, and the locations of their proposed sites.
The tribe has also clarified that its focus is solely on medical cannabis, not recreational marijuana, in response to misinformation spread by state officials. Crista Eggers, a representative from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, expressed her gratitude to the Omaha Tribe for their efforts, stating that the tribe’s compassion and willingness to listen to the needs of Nebraskans have given her hope for a pathway to medical marijuana.
The Omaha Tribe’s Cannabis Commission, established in October, consists of five members, including Secretary Jayzon Hundley, Chairwoman Amanda Hallowell, Allison Stockman, Arthur Isagholian, and Cartier. The commission’s next step is to publish an application draft and begin accepting applications.
This development marks a significant milestone for Nebraska, which has struggled to implement a cannabis industry despite voter approval of legalization in November. The Omaha Tribe’s progress has sparked hope among medical marijuana advocates, who see the tribe’s efforts as a beacon of compassion and a model for the state to follow.
