Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission Frustrated as Advocates Decry New Rules
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission is working to develop regulations ahead of a voter-imposed deadline to begin issuing licenses to medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivators. However, advocates are expressing frustration with the new rules, which they say are overly restrictive and will prevent patients from accessing or benefiting from medical cannabis.
The commission adopted emergency regulations in late June, which limit how patients can use cannabis and prohibit it from being flavored or colored. The regulations also do not allow for cannabis to be inhaled, despite it being legal in state statute.
Patients and advocates spoke out at a commission meeting, expressing concerns that the rules will make it difficult for them to access the medication they need. Denise Wegener, an Omaha resident with Stiff Person Syndrome, said that being able to inhale cannabis could help alleviate her stiffness and painful muscle spasms. Edward Williams, a military veteran with PTSD, said that being able to consume cannabis through inhalation would provide instant relief from his flashbacks.
Other commenters took issue with the regulation prohibiting cannabis products from being flavored or colored, saying it could make them more attractive to children. Morgan Ryan, an Omaha resident, pointed out that many over-the-counter medications are artificially colored or flavored, and that isolating medical cannabis from these products seems to distrust patients who are suffering from serious illnesses.
Commission members acknowledged the concerns and said they would continue to work on the regulations ahead of the October 1 deadline. However, they also expressed frustration with the lack of funding, staff, and regulatory authority granted to them by the ballot initiative.
The commission is considering changing the regulations to allow for vertical integration, or businesses being involved in multiple steps of the supply chain, and is also looking into implementing a “seed to sale” tracking system. However, the cost of this system is currently prohibitive.
The commission’s chairman, Bruce Bailey, said that the commission is exploring using an existing system for regulating liquor stores and bars, which could save state taxpayers $4 million in costs. However, it is unclear how close the two regulating bodies can work together.
The commission approved a motion to ask the Liquor Control Commission to consider allocating funds and staff to help finalize regulations before the commission meets again in September.
