The Current Status of Nebraska’s Medical Marijuana Laws

As of December 2024, Medical marijuana is legal in Nebraska! A major win for patients, caregivers, and advocates who have long fought for compassionate access to marijuana medicine. But while the law is official, Nebraska’s medical marijuana program has not yet launched, and patients must wait for more updates before they can legally purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries in-state.

If you’re a Nebraska resident wondering when medical marijuana will become available, how to qualify for a card, and what the next steps look like, this guide breaks it down clearly. Let’s take a closer look at where things stand in Nebraska.

Medical Marijuana Passed in 2024

In November 2024, Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved two ballot measures: Initiative 437 and Initiative 438, finally bringing medical marijuana to Nebraska.

Initiative 437, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, legalized the possession and use of marijuana for qualifying medical patients. It is self-executing, meaning it became law upon certification without requiring further legislative action.

Initiative 438, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, created a regulatory framework for production, licensing, and distribution. It establishes the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee business licensing and compliance.

Both initiatives were certified in December 2024, by Governor Jim Pillen, officially enacting them into law.

When Will Nebraska’s Medical Marijuana Program Launch?

While the laws are in place, patients still don’t have access to dispensaries, yet. The state is in a transition period, and important deadlines are on the horizon:

• July 1, 2025: The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission must release full regulations governing licensing, operations, and patient access.

• October 1, 2025: The commission is required to begin accepting business applications from prospective medical marijuana providers.

That means legal medical marijuana sales will likely not begin until 2026. Until then, possession and use are protected for patients with a valid recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider - that’s where we come in, even if no dispensaries are open yet.

How Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Nebraska?

If you're wondering whether you qualify for medical marijuana in Nebraska, you're not alone. While the state is still working on finalizing its official list of qualifying conditions, there’s already a clear picture of who may be eligible. Here's what you need to know about eligibility requirements, potential medical conditions that may qualify, and how the process differs for adults and minors.

Qualifying Conditions

Nebraska’s law does not have a set list of qualifying conditions, but here is an idea of what types of conditions you can expect once they finalize the list: 

• Cancer

• Epilepsy or other seizures

• Parkinson’s disease

• Huntington’s disease

• Muscular dystrophy

• Multiple sclerosis

• Cachexia (weakness and wasting due to chronic illness)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• HIV+

• AIDS

• Chronic or debilitating pain

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS

• Glaucoma

• Agitation from dementia

• Crohn’s disease 

• Ulcerative colitis

• Sickle-cell anemia

• Autism with aggressive or self-injurious behaviors 

• Pain refractory to appropriate opioid management

• Spinal cord disease or severe injury

• Intractable nausea

• Severe muscle spasticity 

• Other conditions where a physician believes the benefits of marijuana would outweigh risks

For Adults 18 and Older:

You must get a written recommendation from a licensed physician. This recommendation must be signed and dated, and be valid for two years, unless a shorter period is specified

For Patients Under 18:

Minors must:

• Receive a signed recommendation from a licensed physician

• Have written consent from a parent or legal guardian

• Designate a caregiver

What About Caregivers?

Patients, especially minors or those with disabilities, may designate a caregiver to help acquire, transport, and administer medical marijuana on their behalf.

Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, and be designated by the patient or legal guardian in a signed affidavit. Caregivers may also be a healthcare facility or home health agency with written consent.

Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice for Nebraska Patients

With long-term validity of recommendations and a compassionate care model at its core, Nebraska’s medical marijuana law is designed to empower patients and their healthcare providers.

In states across the country, medical marijuana has helped patients regain control over their health and quality of life. Nebraska’s law finally gives local patients the same opportunity, and it’s only just beginning.

Stay Patient, Stay Prepared

Nebraska has taken a monumental step forward by legalizing medical marijuana. The framework is in place, the commission is forming, and a patient-first model is on the horizon.

Like many new programs, this one will take time. The best thing patients can do right now is prepare early, connect with licensed professionals, understand the law, and be ready to enroll once applications open.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a qualifying condition, medical marijuana could provide the safe, effective relief you've been searching for. Nebraska is finally opening the door, now it’s time to walk through it.

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!