In Nebraska, families affected by severe medical conditions are urging lawmakers to establish effective medical cannabis regulations. At a recent public forum, the Bronson family shared their story, highlighting the struggles of their son, Teddy, a 7-year-old with drug-resistant epilepsy. Teddy has undergone six brain surgeries and endured an average of 3,800 seizures monthly, leading his parents, Matt and Liz Bronson, to seek every available means to alleviate their son’s suffering.
Matt Bronson, a disabled Air Force veteran, emphasized the urgency of their situation, stating that Teddy faces an 85% higher risk of dying each night. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for the small victories, such as seeing Teddy walk and smile after years spent in a wheelchair.
The Bronsons, alongside many other advocates, have fought for medical cannabis in Nebraska for over a decade. In November, voters approved medical cannabis with 71% support and a regulatory framework with 68% support. However, the path to implementation has been fraught with disputes and legislative hurdles.
At the forums held in La Vista, Omaha, and Lincoln, attendees voiced their support for the legalization of medical cannabis and stressed the need to respect the voters’ decision. Discussions centered around Legislative Bill 677, which aims to clarify regulations for the newly legalized medical cannabis system. Critics of the bill have raised concerns about provisions such as a smoking ban, a limited list of qualifying conditions, and fees for patient registration.
Ethan Stankus, a forum participant, expressed disappointment with the compromises within LB 677, asserting that the regulations do not align with the will of the voters. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to provide clear guidelines for the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, which is tasked with drafting regulations by July 1.
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has opposed LB 677 and any products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), asserting that federal laws against marijuana must be upheld. Hilgers stated he empathizes with individuals in pain but insisted that his position remains unchanged despite growing state-level acceptance of cannabis.
The forums highlighted the personal stories of many Nebraskans impacted by debilitating conditions. Marcie Reed shared her experience with her son Kyler, who suffers from epilepsy and relies on multiple medications. She stressed that understanding the need for medical cannabis often comes too late, as families face unimaginable pain and loss.
Dominic Gillen, another advocate, spoke about his son Will, who has experienced over 450,000 seizures. He emphasized the importance of lawmakers recognizing the human side of this issue and urged them to see the patients behind the numbers.
As discussions unfold, some advocates have expressed frustration with the slow progress and potential obstacles to accessing medical cannabis. The sentiment among attendees was clear: they want action and swift implementation of a system that fulfills voters’ desires for medical cannabis access.
In light of the ongoing legislative battles, many advocates are calling for a unified effort to ensure that Nebraskans can access the medicine they need. The message resonated across the forums: “Let’s take away this pain,” a plea echoed by parents and caregivers desperate for relief for their loved ones suffering from severe medical conditions.
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