The Clock is Ticking For Nebraska’s Cannabis Market
Medical Cannabis Has Arrived In Nebraska
One of the most anticipated states for cannabis this year has to be Nebraska. Last year voters went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly to approve Measures 437 and 438. These two ballot initiatives legalized up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis for Nebraskans following a doctor’s recommendation and would established the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate cannabis and licensed medical cannabis retailers by October 1 of this year.
Program Progress But Setbacks In Legislative Follow-Up
We have seen some progress in the state legislature to formally launch the medical cannabis program, but we have also seen some setbacks. Four bills have been introduced so far into the Nebraska legislature, but only one (LB677) has truly gained any semblance of momentum. However, even LB677’s fate now hangs in the balance.
There’s been a recent flurry of activities associated with LB677 with six separate filings occurring since the start of April and, in the most dramatic yet frustrating of developments, an indefinite postponement. The General Affairs Committee entered an executive session to discuss an amendment to LB677, a bill introduced by Senator Ben Hansen. Ultimately, after this executive session a vote came out 3-5 against sending the bill to General File.
Cannabis News Underestimates Hope For Amendments
Hope isn’t fully lost. Senator Rick Holdcroft said that the LB577 amendment could still be taken to the floor, though the measure in its current form may have difficulty passing in front of the full Legislature. Senator Hansen has stated he remains hopeful that further work within the General Affairs Committee can be done to produce viable amendments and indeed, he’s been busy!
Today, April 22, saw Hansen place the bill on General File and adopted new amendments (AM986). So while there has been some doom and gloom headlines, it’s important not to rush to judgment with decisions and bills like this one.
Timing Is Crucial For Setting Nebraska’s Medical Cannabis Up To Succeed
Still, time is of the essence if we’re to avoid having Nebraska became the “wild west” of cannabis. “I don’t want to shut all the doors right now, but some doors are closing, and they’re closing fast, and so we have to act,” Hansen said.
The legislative session in the state ends on May 30, so with a little over a month to get everything in order, representatives have to act quickly.
Midwest Cannabis Entrepreneurs Can Strategize Their Businesses Now
Nebraska’s new medical cannabis program continues to be touch and go, but our team of cannabis consultants is all too familiar with initial pushback that has led to eventual program success. We’re keeping an active pulse on the situation and we’re certain Nebraska has a significant opportunity to stand on its own among a flourishing national cannabis industry.
Regardless of the immediate outlook, it’s never too early to pre-plan and strategize your Nebraska cannabis business. From brand support and business development to financial services and staffing, our team has decades of experience helping entrepreneurs create cannabis businesses and win cannabis licenses.
Get your top questions answered with a one-on-one hourly consultation session or contact us directly to get started today!