A legislative committee in Nebraska has moved forward with the governor’s two appointees to the Medical Cannabis Commission, despite significant opposition from advocates and lawmakers who support cannabis legalization. The committee’s actions come shortly after the defeat of Legislative Bill 677, which aimed to provide additional guidelines for the commission and delay a July 1 deadline for implementing regulations.
Governor Jim Pillen (R), who has opposed previous measures to legalize medical cannabis, appointed Dr. Monica Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist, and Lorelle Mueting, a prevention director at Heartland Family Services. During a nearly three-hour confirmation hearing, the General Affairs Committee voted 5-2 to advance Oldenburg’s appointment but was tied 4-4 on Mueting, meaning both will still go to the full Legislature for a vote.
Oldenburg stated she is not against cannabis but believes in a cautious approach to its regulation, emphasizing the need for thorough research. She highlighted that while cannabis can aid in pain management, it is essential for Nebraska to establish appropriate regulations and conditions for its use. Oldenburg has been an anesthesiologist for 18 years and expressed her commitment to work collaboratively with different stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the medical cannabis laws.
Mueting, who has worked in substance prevention for over two decades, expressed a perspective that focuses on public health and safety. She supports the idea that medical cannabis can help patients with serious health conditions but indicated that it’s crucial to guide the rulemaking process carefully. Mueting has previously testified against various cannabis-related legislative proposals, which raised concerns among advocates about her ability to support the medical cannabis program effectively.
Critics, including Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, argue that appointing individuals who have opposed cannabis legislation undermines the intent of the voter-approved medical cannabis laws. During her testimony, Eggers stated that having appointees who have a history of opposing cannabis legislation is akin to placing an arsonist in charge of the fire department.
Grassroots advocates expressed their frustration during the hearing, emphasizing that patients should not be denied access to cannabis due to regulatory hurdles. Families affected by medical conditions shared their experiences, highlighting the urgent need for accessible medical cannabis to alleviate suffering. One mother described her son’s struggles with FDA-approved medications and insisted that medical cannabis could provide a necessary alternative for patients in need.
Law enforcement perspectives were also presented during the hearing. Some officials defended Mueting, asserting that she possesses the necessary understanding of regulations and public health concerns. However, others voiced the need for neutrality among commission members, questioning whether individuals with established biases could fairly regulate the cannabis market.
The commission members, including appointees Oldenburg and Mueting, require 25 votes from the full Legislature for confirmation to their six-year terms. If approved, they will join other members of the commission responsible for overseeing the state’s medical cannabis program.
As the legislative session progresses, the future of Nebraska’s medical cannabis landscape appears uncertain, especially with ongoing debates over regulations and the roles of appointed officials. Advocates continue to push for a commission that supports patient access to cannabis, while opponents emphasize the need for stringent regulations to ensure public health and safety.
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