Nebraska Medical Marijuana Commission Holds First Meeting as Program Launch Nears

In a historic moment for Nebraska, the state’s Medical Marijuana Commission held its first public meeting earlier this month. This kickoff signals a serious shift toward implementing the voter-approved medical marijuana program. With major regulatory deadlines approaching fast, this meeting was about more than formalities; it marked the beginning of a tight race to bring medical marijuana access to thousands of patients across the state.

Commission Structure and Purpose

The commission consists of five members, three from the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission and two appointed by the governor. Together, they are responsible for writing rules for the entire medical marijuana system, overseeing licensing, and ensuring safe access for qualified patients. Dr. Monica Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist and one of the appointed members, was selected as chair during the commission’s opening session.

The commission must complete emergency regulations by July 1, giving them less than a month to draft and finalize rules covering everything from patient eligibility and physician certification to dispensary licensing and product safety. Licenses must begin issuing no later than October 1, making Nebraska one of the fastest-moving medical marijuana rollouts in the country.

Emergency Rulemaking and Legal Complexity

Due to the short timeline, the commission plans to implement emergency regulations, which bypass the usual public comment period. These emergency rules will enable the program to move forward quickly, while allowing the commission time to develop more permanent guidelines later.

However, Nebraska’s marijuana rollout is not without legal complications. A former state senator has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the initiative passed by voters. In addition, the state attorney general has voiced concerns about potential conflicts with federal law. Despite these legal challenges, the commission is moving ahead with its mandate, emphasizing transparency and compliance with state law.

Program Development and Next Steps

The commission is working with a tight budget; only $30,000 has been allocated to fund early operations. Much of the administrative support may be shared with the Liquor Control Commission. The commissioners acknowledged these limitations but affirmed their commitment to meeting deadlines and opening the program on schedule.

The next public meeting is set for June 26, when the commission expects to present draft regulations and begin gathering public input. Stakeholders, including future patients, providers, and advocates, will be watching closely to ensure the rules are workable, inclusive, and patient-centered.

What This Means for Patients

Once operational, the program will allow Nebraska residents with qualifying medical conditions to legally access marijuana under medical supervision. The qualifying conditions, expected to be similar to other state programs, may include chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other serious illnesses.

Patients will be required to receive certification from a licensed medical professional and register with the state before purchasing products from licensed dispensaries.

How We Help at Nebraska Marijuana Card

Once we start seeing patients, we’re here to help patients every step of the way. At Nebraska Marijuana Card, we will offer:

• Online Appointments – Get certified from the comfort of your home through an easy, secure telemedicine platform.

• Evaluations by Licensed Physicians – Our team of compassionate, experienced doctors will be able to assess your condition and determine if marijuana is a recommended treatment.

• Application Support – We will guide you through the entire application process, from paperwork to submission to ensuring your information is complete and accurate.

• Ongoing Education and Support – We won’t stop after certification. We will continue to offer patient education, renewal reminders, and updates on state rules.

Our goal is to make access to medical marijuana as easy and stress-free as possible.

Looking Ahead

The launch of Nebraska’s medical marijuana program represents a turning point for public health in the state. Thousands of residents who previously had to look out-of-state or go without may finally gain access to safe, regulated marijuana products tailored to their medical needs.

Although the commission faces challenges related to funding, legal opposition, and tight deadlines, the determination of both the commissioners and voters makes one thing clear: medical marijuana is coming to Nebraska.

As the state prepares for implementation, patients should take steps now to understand the process, gather medical records, and begin exploring whether they qualify. 

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana

We're excited to help you get approved for medical marijuana as soon as Nebraska rolls out the medical marijuana program. It shouldn't be much longer! 

Our telemedicine appointments provide an easy and convenient way for you to meet with our doctors and receive a medical marijuana recommendation, all from the comfort of your own home!

Don’t delay! Reserve an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate marijuana doctors! We’ll set up an appointment for you just as soon as Nebraska's medical marijuana market is up and running. You’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation when you reserve your appointment today! 

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-6665, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!