LINCOLN, Neb. — After months of delay, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission has finally begun awarding licenses to cannabis cultivators, marking a major milestone in the state’s long-awaited rollout of its medical marijuana program. The decision comes as the commission works to regulate every step of production — from seed to sale — and to bring structure to an industry many Nebraskans have been eager to see launched.
On Tuesday afternoon, the commission voted to grant two licenses following a detailed scoring process. “Based on the scoring results, the following applications are eligible to receive an offer of licensure: Nancy Laughlin-Wagner on behalf of Midwest Cultivator Group, and Patrick Thomas,” said Dr. Monica Oldenburg, chair of the commission. While Laughlin-Wagner declined to comment, Thomas’ attorney, Perry Pirsch, expressed gratitude on his client’s behalf, emphasizing Thomas’ commitment to ethical practices and lawful distribution.
Out of nearly 40 applicants, only four were selected by lottery for final consideration, with two ultimately receiving licenses. Although the specific rubric used for scoring wasn’t made public, commissioners stated that it was based on how closely each application adhered to the commission’s regulations.
One applicant who didn’t receive a license, Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, had applied in hopes of growing medicine for her son, who suffers from epilepsy. Despite the denial, Eggers voiced cautious optimism. “I am grateful that the commission has moved forward in the licensing process,” she said. “I hope those who receive these licenses truly intend to serve patients who desperately need this medicine.”
Rejected applicants still have the right to appeal their cases, which could extend the timeline before all cultivator licenses are finalized. The commission’s next steps include reviewing operational compliance and preparing to issue dispensary licenses, moving the state closer to a fully regulated system.
Still, uncertainty lingers. Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who has previously questioned the legality of state-level cannabis programs, has yet to comment on whether his office will take action against the commission now that licenses have been issued. Legal challenges remain a potential roadblock to a smooth rollout.
A public hearing on proposed regulations for cannabis licenses is scheduled for Oct. 15, though all three commissioners have stated they will not attend. Despite ongoing hurdles, the issuance of the first licenses represents a turning point for Nebraska’s medical marijuana efforts — signaling real progress for patients, cultivators, and advocates who have waited years for this moment.
With licenses finally being distributed, Nebraska is one step closer to bringing medical cannabis to those who need it most.
