A committee of Nebraska lawmakers has voted to recommend the appointment of Monica Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist, to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission. The General Affairs Committee, which consists of eight members, met on Thursday and approved Oldenburg by a vote of 5-2, with one member abstaining. The committee was evenly split on the second nominee, Lorelle Mueting, a drug prevention specialist, resulting in no recommendation for her appointment.
The full Legislature will vote on both nominees next week. Both appointments have faced criticism from Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, a group advocating for medical cannabis access for over a decade. This organization successfully led the ballot initiative that legalized medical cannabis in Nebraska, which garnered approval from 71% of voters.
Governor Jim Pillen, who appointed both nominees, has historically opposed medical cannabis. Critics point out that both Oldenburg and Mueting have expressed opposition to legislation aimed at legalizing cannabis. Crista Eggers, director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, criticized the appointments as inappropriate, likening it to placing an arsonist in charge of a fire department. During legislative debates, some lawmakers echoed this sentiment, voicing concerns that a commission without oversight from the Legislature might implement restrictions that could limit access to medical cannabis.
The discussion on the appointments comes shortly after Legislative Bill 677, which aimed to regulate medical cannabis, failed to advance by ten votes. Supporters of the bill argued that it was necessary for improving access, while opponents cited an ongoing lawsuit from the state attorney general alleging fraud in the ballot initiative process. Additionally, they contended that the commission already has regulatory authority based on the ballot language.
State Senator Ben Hansen’s bill included narrow provisions compared to the original ballot, limiting the conditions eligible for cannabis treatment, prohibiting smoking, and restricting possession amounts. Some lawmakers used the debate to present arguments against the bill, describing it as a recreational measure and sharing negative anecdotes about cannabis use.
Oldenburg and Mueting provided limited details on potential regulations they might support, emphasizing their roles as part of a five-member commission that would rely on research and successful models from other states. Oldenburg expressed a personal bias against smoking due to its health implications, while Mueting, who has experience in addiction services, hesitated to endorse cannabis legalization, deferring to the Food and Drug Administration’s stance, which has not approved cannabis for medical use.
Concerns were raised during the appointment hearing about the possibility of the commission delaying the licensing and regulation process, which could hinder access to medical cannabis. Dominic Gillen, a parent advocating for medical cannabis access for his son with epilepsy, emphasized the need for leadership that is supportive and informed by science. His wife, Shelley, expressed skepticism about relying on FDA recommendations, citing adverse effects from other approved medications.
Committee members voting in favor of the nominees included Senators Bob Andersen, Barry DeKay, Rick Holdcroft, and Jared Storm. Senator Stan Clouse supported Oldenburg but opposed Mueting. The upcoming legislative vote will be closely watched as advocates for medical cannabis access continue to push for a system that prioritizes patient needs and scientific research.
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