On May 16, 2025, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced his plan to allocate administrative support and resources to the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission. This initiative aims to ensure the commission fulfills its responsibilities under the Patient Protection Act and the Regulation Act, particularly meeting key deadlines of July 1 and October 1.
The Medical Cannabis Commission was established following the approval of Initiative 438 by Nebraska voters in November 2024. The commission includes three ex officio members from the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission: Bruce Bailey, Harry Hoch Jr., and Kim Lowe, along with two members appointed by the governor. Pillen has appointed Lorelle Mueting and Monica Oldenburg to these positions, both of whom have previously opposed efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska during legislative sessions.
Pillen expressed confidence in his appointees, stating, “I have appointed two experienced, well-qualified individuals to the Medical Cannabis Commission, who will ensure this new industry is strongly regulated to the letter of the law the people of Nebraska enacted.” He urged the Legislature to expedite the confirmation process to allow the commission to begin drafting regulations for the medical cannabis sector.
However, Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, criticized the governor’s appointments. She described it as “disingenuous” to label Mueting and Oldenburg as well-qualified, given their history of opposing medical cannabis. Eggers argued that appointing individuals who fundamentally oppose medical cannabis could indicate ulterior motives that do not align with the interests of the 71% of Nebraska voters who supported Initiative 437, which legalized medical marijuana possession.
The Legislature’s General Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the appointments to the Medical Cannabis Commission on Thursday at 2 p.m.
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