Nebraska Medical Marijuana Bill Hits Roadblock in Committee as Senator Explores Next Steps

A bill to regulate medical marijuana in Nebraska hit a roadblock this week after a legislative committee voted 5-3 against advancing it to the full Legislature. Legislative Bill 677, introduced by State Senator Ben Hansen of Blair, aimed to establish rules for medical cannabis use following the overwhelming passage of a ballot initiative last year with 71% voter support. The bill would have allowed medical marijuana in various forms, including edibles, tinctures, ointments, and smoking or vaping, while limiting dispensary licenses and implementing tracking requirements. However, opposition centered on concerns that the bill could pave the way for recreational use. A proposed amendment by Senator Rick Holdcroft to remove smoking and exclude PTSD from qualifying conditions failed to gain traction. Hansen, citing the July 1 effective date of the ballot measure, warned that without legislative action, Nebraska could face a regulatory vacuum. With just 26 days left in the session, Hansen is considering a pull motion to bring the bill to a floor vote. Meanwhile, supporters of medical marijuana, including advocacy group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, say voters clearly understood and approved the initiative and continue to call on lawmakers to respect their decision.