LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission is navigating significant challenges as it prepares for the October 1 deadline to begin issuing registrations for medical marijuana businesses. Despite the urgency, the commission faces major obstacles, including a lack of funding, insufficient legislative guidance, and mounting concerns over transparency and regulatory clarity.
During a recent meeting in Lincoln, commission members worked to revise a temporary set of rules to govern the initial rollout of Nebraska Medical Cannabis. However, even basic expenses—such as paying for meeting announcements in local newspapers—are difficult to cover.
"There’s no way to pay them, unless the liquor commission adds them to their commission and we pay them," said Bruce Bailey, who serves on both the liquor and cannabis commissions. His comment reflects a broader issue: the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission was not given any funding or operational structure by lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session.
Without the authority to collect application or licensing fees, the commission is forced to think creatively. "We have no appropriations," said commission member Lorelle Mueting. "We have no ability to collect fees or application fees. And so we're trying to think of a creative way to do a seed-to-sale system."
That seed-to-sale tracking system would regulate every stage of Nebraska Medical Cannabis—from cultivation and processing to the final sale. It’s a critical component for ensuring product safety and compliance, but progress has been slow.
The absence of Chair Monica Oldenburg at the latest meeting drew criticism, especially since her research on cannabis was listed as an agenda item but not shared with the public beforehand. Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana voiced frustration, saying, "I do have concerns with what seems to be a lack of seriousness that is being taken on this issue and the transparency to the people."
Oldenburg’s research reportedly advised against flavored cannabis products and smoking as delivery methods—recommendations that may conflict with the state statute, which defines Nebraska Medical Cannabis broadly to include all parts of the plant. Critics argue that limiting forms of consumption could negatively impact patients.
"If you have PTSD and you wake up in the middle of the night, you need relief," said Edward Williams, a disabled veteran. "You don’t need to take an edible or something else that’s going to maybe work in an hour or two."
With its next meeting scheduled for September 2, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission faces a tight window to resolve regulatory and funding issues. The eyes of patients, advocates, and lawmakers remain fixed on how this pivotal moment will unfold for Nebraska Medical Cannabis.
