LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – State senators were finally able to begin debate on a bill that would move medical cannabis regulation forward in Nebraska, an issue overwhelmingly supported by voters in November.
Following the November election, Pillen acknowledged that nearly three of every four Nebraska voters supported legalizing medical marijuana. But LB667, filed by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue to establish state regulation of medical marijuana, stalled during the session until it was pulled out of committee at the beginning of May after a compromise on the how the cannabis flower could be consumed.
On Tuesday, the Nebraska Legislature spent hours on first-round debate over the bill. Debate was expected to continue until around 7 p.m., at which time they will take a vote on whether the bill moves forward. Lawmakers will still be able to make changes on the bill if it passes to the second round.
Tuesday’s debate comes a few days after Gov. Jim Pillen made his picks for the newly formed Medical Cannabis Commission. Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, on Friday questioned the governor’s selections, saying in a statement that they are “fundamentally opposed” to medical marijuana.
Hearings for Dr. Monica Oldenburg, a Lincoln anesthesiologist, and Lorelle Mueting of Omaha, the prevention program director at Heartland Family Service, are listed on the Legislative calendar for May 22, set to begin at 2 p.m. that afternoon. The public can submit comments on either candidate online before 8 a.m. that morning.
In accordance with Nebraska’s medical marijuana laws, officially put in place with Pillen’s signature in December, the new commssion has two regulation-oriented deadlines to hit: July 1 and Oct. 1. As outlined in the state’s new medical marijuana laws, Liquor Control Commission members will also be part of the new commission.
Despite resounding approval at the ballot box — and continued support at recent town halls in Omaha, La Vista, and Lincoln — some Nebraska leaders and law enforcement have continued to push against legalization. Days after those forums, 15 Nebraska sheriffs — including those from Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster counties — signed a letter the state Attorney General sent the Legislature, voicing opposition to pending legislation that moves Nebraska toward legalized medical marijuana.
In March, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Sen. Pete Ricketts have taken public stances against legalization and regulation of medical cannabis even as legislative committees were set to hear public comment before debating next steps.
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State senators were finally able to begin debate on a bill that would move medical cannabis regulation forward in Nebraska, an issue overwhelmingly supported by voters in November. Read More
