The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission held its very first meeting in Lincoln on Monday, signaling the beginning of a pivotal process: establishing the framework for the state’s medical marijuana industry. With the clock ticking toward a July deadline, the commission is now tasked with drafting the rules that will govern the cultivation, sale, and regulation of medical cannabis across Nebraska.
The inaugural meeting focused on organizational matters, including the selection of leadership. Commissioners—Dr. Monica Oldenburg, Lorelle Mueting, Bruce Bailey, and Kim Lowe—unanimously elected Dr. Oldenburg as chairperson. One vacancy remains on the commission, which is expected to be filled by Governor Jim Pillen. That seat will represent Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.
Bruce Bailey, one of the commissioners, stated that the group intends to “hit the ground running” and hopes to have a concrete proposal available for public review and feedback by early July.
While the commission is eager to move quickly, advocates are urging caution and careful planning. Crista Eggers, campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Cannabis, stressed the importance of ensuring that the regulations developed align with the intent of the voters.
“The goal is to produce something the public can review and weigh in on,” Bailey noted. “But we also must ensure that what we’re creating actually reflects what voters approved at the ballot box.”
Eggers added, “As always, we will be there—to advocate, to have conversations, and to make sure the final rules support patients and public health.”
The commission’s work is being closely watched by both advocates and critics, as Nebraska joins a growing number of states working to establish medical marijuana programs. Setting clear, patient-centered rules will be essential to a successful rollout, particularly as the industry remains controversial in certain political and public circles.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for June 26, where members will continue to shape the regulatory framework for medical cannabis in Nebraska. That meeting is expected to include more in-depth discussions on licensing procedures, qualifying conditions, product safety standards, and the timeline for implementation.
As Nebraska’s medical cannabis program takes its first steps, stakeholders across the state are watching carefully—hoping for a responsible and transparent process that will ultimately benefit patients in need.
