Nebraska Medical Marijuana Progress: Commission Faces Key Deadlines

In November 2024, Nebraska voters approved medical marijuana and the creation of a regulatory board, marking a major step forward for patient access in the state. The Nebraska Medical Marijuana Commission must now meet a series of deadlines to ensure the program launches on time. 

By July 1, 2025, the commission was required to establish permanent rules and criteria to accept or deny license applications. By October 1, 2025, it must begin issuing licenses and permitting dispensaries, cultivators, manufacturers, and transporters. With these dates approaching, Nebraska is getting closer than ever to seeing its medical marijuana program fully operational, bringing long-awaited relief and legal access to qualifying patients.

Emergency Regulations

At its second meeting in June, the Commission approved emergency regulations to meet the July 1 deadline. Within days, Governor Pillen signed the rules, which take effect for up to 90 days, through September 28, and may be extended once more if needed. These emergency regulations are temporary rules put in place to keep the medical marijuana program moving forward while officials work on creating the permanent regulations that will guide the program long-term.

Key Provisions of the Temporary Rules

The emergency rules impose several foundational requirements for all licensing schemes, including:

• Only one licensed establishment type per judicial district: dispensary, cultivator, manufacturer, or transporter.

• Location restrictions: no more than 1,000 feet from hospitals, schools, daycares, or churches

• Ownership requirements state that at least 51 percent of each licensed business must be Nebraska residents who have also been U.S. citizens for at least four years. 

• All license holders will also be required to complete fingerprint-based background checks.

• Explicit bans on the sale of marijuana flower, edibles, flavored products, and smoking or vaping products

• Patient recommendations provided by certified marijuana doctors must specify product type, dosage, potency, number of doses, directions for use, and patient identity

• Medical marijuana product packaging must be tamper-evident, child-resistant, tamper-proof, and without marketing aimed at minors

Public Input and Missing Infrastructure

The process has encountered frustration, including delays in setting up a state commission website, a lack of funding for staff, and difficulties partnering with existing state agencies. To help fill these gaps, the Commission is partnering with state health agencies and other government offices to work together on creating the permanent rules for the program.

Some stakeholders have criticized the emergency rules for restricting patient access, especially the ban on flower and limitations on product form. LB 677, a legislative proposal that failed in May 2025, would have allowed more product types, more dispensaries per district, and stronger safeguards like required product testing and practitioner protections. Supporters say that if permanent regulations mirror emergency rules too closely, they may undercut voter intent.

Upcoming Meetings and Next Steps

The Commission’s third official meeting is scheduled for September 2, and another public meeting was held on August 4, drawing dozens of participants. At these sessions, regulators were expected to discuss combining resources with the Liquor Control Commission, refining the draft rules for public review, and setting future licensing timelines. Comments gathered in July and feedback from these meetings will impact the revised regulations.

What This Means for Nebraskans

• Medical marijuana is not yet available for sale in Nebraska, though legal possession up to five ounces is allowed under the Patient Protection Act.

• Businesses and patients should pay close attention to the Commission’s evolving rules; licensing may begin as early as October 1, with formal guidelines published in advance.

• The restrictions on flower and THC content, especially in the emergency rules, are controversial, and patients may see changes in the permanent rules.

• The timeline now includes a licensing roll-out no later than October 1, 2025, with an extended licensing deadline by March 2026, depending on the final regulatory package.

Summary

Nebraska’s medical marijuana program is moving forward, but faces tight deadlines, limited funding, and significant public scrutiny. With emergency rules now in place and public commentary underway, attention is turning to fall for permanent rule publication and licensing launch. Patients and prospective business operators should stay informed on our website and provide feedback as the framework continues to take shape.

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! 

---

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.