Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission Clears Way for First Legal Marijuana Plants
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission has given the green light for the first state-licensed cultivator to plant marijuana in the state. MahāMotā Cultivation Company in Raymond has successfully passed its inspection, paving the way for the first legal marijuana plants in Nebraska.
The commission, which began meeting last June, will start accepting applications for product manufacturers starting Wednesday. The commission can license up to four product manufacturers, as well as up to 12 transporters and up to 12 dispensaries.
Meanwhile, another licensed cultivator, KRL Med LLC, is facing a setback due to a reversal from the Washington County planning and zoning administrator. The company’s owner, former State Sen. Kent Rogert, said that the administrator has denied their request for an agricultural exemption to grow marijuana, citing that hemp would be allowed, but not marijuana.
Rogert expressed frustration, stating that every day that passes means losing time and availability. He has appealed the stop-work order and is waiting to hear back from the Washington County attorney.
Commissioner J. Michael Coffey asked if Rogert would pursue litigation, but Rogert said he will go through the local appeal process first.
The commission also approved the request of another cultivator, Midwest Cultivator Group, to relocate from Omaha to Gretna. The company had faced changing zoning requirements in Omaha, but was able to secure a conditional-use permit in Gretna.
Commissioner Jim Elworth made a motion to open up applications for product manufacturers, which was approved 3-1. The commission will solicit applications over the next four weeks and will ask applicants to submit payment and comply with updated regulations once the commission can assess application fees.
The commission’s next scheduled meeting is July 20, and the current set of temporary regulations expires five days later. The regulations can be extended for 90 days. The commission is still waiting for Attorney General Mike Hilgers to sign off on the formal set of regulations, which were sent to him in mid-April.
