LINCOLN — A new bill in the Nebraska Legislature could significantly expand the authority of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission beyond what voters approved in 2024, raising concerns among patient advocates and some lawmakers.
Legislative Bill 1235, introduced by the Legislature’s General Affairs Committee, would allow the commission to create and enforce regulations for the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, which passed with 71 percent voter approval. That voter-approved law permits patients to possess up to five ounces of medical cannabis with a recommendation from an in-state or out-of-state physician. A separate ballot measure, approved by 67 percent of voters, created the Medical Cannabis Commission and granted it exclusive authority to regulate licensed cannabis businesses.
Supporters of LB 1235, including State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, say the bill is intended to provide additional structure and funding for the commission as it continues developing Nebraska’s medical cannabis system. The proposal would allow the commission to collect fees and fines, regulate patients, caregivers, physicians and testing facilities, and potentially impose additional requirements such as application fees. The bill would also permit the taxation of medical cannabis sales, with revenue directed toward property tax relief.
Medical cannabis advocates strongly oppose the measure, arguing it goes beyond the will of voters and could limit patient access. Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said the bill would remove key patient protections and concentrate too much power in a governor-appointed commission. She and other advocates worry the changes could make it harder for patients, caregivers and physicians to participate in the program.
Critics also point to the commission’s current regulatory approach, which has favored a tightly restricted program that limits product types and requires additional steps for physicians to recommend cannabis. Some lawmakers say the bill risks undermining the voter-approved intent of providing safe and reasonable access to medical cannabis.
LB 1235 would need committee approval to advance and is scheduled for a public hearing next week. As debate continues, both supporters and opponents agree the outcome could shape the future of medical cannabis — and possibly broader cannabis policy — in Nebraska.
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