Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has instructed his executive staff to move forward with regulations for medical cannabis, just ahead of significant legislative debates and court hearings. This directive comes as the state prepares for a week filled with discussions on the future of medical cannabis following its approval by voters.
On Friday, Gov. Pillen announced plans for executive branch personnel to provide administrative assistance to the Medical Cannabis Commission. This commission is responsible for implementing the regulations outlined in the Patient Protection Act and the Regulation Act, with important deadlines set for July 1 for regulations and October 1 for licensing.
The governor emphasized that the commission will operate under the guidance of various state agencies, including the Policy Research Office and the Department of Administrative Services. However, any proposed regulations will still require approval from both the attorney general and the governor’s office.
State Senator Ben Hansen, who sponsors Legislative Bill 677, aims to clarify the regulatory framework for medical cannabis. He expressed surprise at the governor’s unilateral move to establish these regulations, arguing that it is the legislature’s role to set guidelines that cannot be altered arbitrarily. Hansen stated, “I’m not worried about the ‘wild west’ anymore. I’m worried about nothing happening, and then we have recreational cannabis in two years.”
In contrast, State Senator Rick Holdcroft, chair of the General Affairs Committee, acknowledged that the governor’s actions could stabilize the regulatory landscape. He argued that a cannabis control commission could prevent a chaotic rollout of the medical cannabis program.
The governor’s recent appointments to the Medical Cannabis Commission have raised concerns among advocates. Dr. Monica Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist, and Lorelle Mueting, prevention director at Heartland Family Service, have both expressed opposition to medical cannabis in the past. Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, criticized these appointments, stating that they contradict the public’s will, as 71% of voters approved medical cannabis legalization last fall.
Despite the controversy, Pillen defended his appointees as qualified individuals who will ensure compliance with the law. He urged the legislature to confirm them swiftly so they can begin establishing effective regulations for the medical cannabis industry.
The Medical Cannabis Commission’s operational funding is already in place, with $30,000 allocated annually for the next two years. However, some legislators have expressed skepticism about the adequacy of this funding compared to the Liquor Control Commission’s $2 million budget.
Legal challenges are also on the horizon. Next week, Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong will hear arguments regarding a lawsuit claiming that the medical cannabis laws breach federal regulations prohibiting marijuana. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who opposes medical cannabis, is advocating for the dismissal of this lawsuit, arguing that only the Attorney General’s office should challenge the laws.
Simultaneously, Hansen’s Bill 677 is expected to face significant opposition during legislative discussions, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass. The bill aims to enhance regulatory structure and clarity for medical cannabis, countering concerns about the potential for unregulated growth in the industry.
The upcoming hearings on the bill and the governor’s appointments will be pivotal in determining the future of medical cannabis in Nebraska. Stakeholders are closely monitoring these developments as they could substantially influence how medical cannabis is implemented and regulated in the state.
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