In Nebraska, families affected by severe medical conditions are advocating for the establishment of medical cannabis regulations following the overwhelming voter approval of cannabis legalization. Recent public forums in La Vista, Omaha, and Lincoln showcased the urgent need for these regulations, especially for patients like Teddy Bronson, a 7-year-old from Omaha with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Teddy has undergone six brain surgeries and taken 14 different medications, costing his family about half a million dollars in medical expenses. His father, Matt Bronson, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, highlighted the daily challenges they face, noting that Teddy’s condition puts him at an 85% risk of life-threatening seizures each night. Despite this, Teddy has made progress; he was able to walk and smile at a public forum, a significant improvement from three years ago, when he was confined to a wheelchair.
At the forums, families voiced their belief that medical cannabis could alleviate the suffering of patients like Teddy. Liz Bronson, Teddy’s mother and a nurse practitioner, emphasized the need for evidence-based legislation, stating, “We can either pass evidence-based, well-regulated legislation, or we can sign more death certificates.” Their appeal reflects a decade-long struggle for medical cannabis accessibility in Nebraska, culminating in the November election, where 71% of voters endorsed legalization.
The proposed Legislative Bill 677 aims to clarify regulations for medical cannabis, yet it has faced criticism. Some attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the bill’s restrictions, which include prohibiting smoking cannabis, limiting qualifying medical conditions to 15, and imposing fees for registry cards. Ethan Stankus of Bellevue, a vocal supporter, expressed frustration over compromises in the bill, asserting, “This is not what we voted for.”
Opposition to the bill has emerged from various political figures, including Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who has launched a campaign against cannabis products containing THC. Hilgers argues that his duty is to uphold federal law, despite the shift towards state-level cannabis legalization. He stated, “I think two plus two is four, even if everyone else says two plus two is five.”
Many speakers at the forums demanded that lawmakers act quickly to implement regulations. They shared personal stories of loved ones who could have benefited from medical cannabis but have died waiting for legal access. Jill Heese recounted her mother’s battle with cancer and expressed disappointment at the slow progress in Nebraska’s cannabis legislation.
The proposed regulations also aim to establish a Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, but concerns were raised about its resources being shared with the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. This arrangement has drawn criticism from those fearing that the commission may not prioritize medical cannabis effectively.
Legislators are under pressure to harmonize the new cannabis regulations with the will of voters, as many attendees at the forums indicated their willingness to support recreational cannabis if medical regulations remain overly restrictive. This sentiment reflects a broader desire for change in the state’s approach to cannabis, with advocates pushing for a more patient-centered policy.
Dominic Gillen, whose son Will suffers from severe epilepsy, urged lawmakers to focus on the patients who would benefit from medical cannabis. He stated, “Will has never spoken a word, but he’s touched countless lives in this state and other states through his story.”
As the deadline for regulatory implementation approaches, families like the Bronsons and Gillens continue to advocate for timely, compassionate legislation that addresses the needs of patients suffering from debilitating conditions. Their stories underscore the urgency for Nebraska’s lawmakers to finalize regulations that align with the voters’ intent and facilitate access to medical cannabis for those in pain.
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