Nebraska regulators have cleared the way for marijuana to be legally planted in the state for the first time, marking a major step forward for the voter-approved medical marijuana program.
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission voted Monday to ratify the successful inspection of MahāMotā Cultivation Company in Raymond, allowing the company to begin cultivation. The move makes MahāMotā the first state-licensed cultivator cleared to put marijuana plants in the ground under Nebraska’s new medical cannabis system.
The commission also voted to begin accepting applications for medical marijuana product manufacturers starting Wednesday. Under current rules, Nebraska can issue up to four product manufacturer licenses, along with up to 12 transporter licenses and up to 12 dispensary licenses.
The vote on manufacturer applications was 3 to 1, with Commissioner Lorelle Mueting voting no. Commissioner Jim Elworth supported opening the application window now rather than waiting for final regulations and updated fees to be in place, saying the state should avoid further delays. Applicants are expected to be notified that fees and other requirements may be added later.
The action comes as other licensed cultivators continue working through local and regulatory hurdles. KRL Med LLC, owned by former State Senator Kent Rogert, received a six-month license renewal Monday but remains stalled by a Washington County zoning dispute. Rogert told commissioners his company had been preparing for inspection before county officials reversed course and said marijuana cultivation would not qualify under an agricultural exemption.
Another licensed cultivator, Meadowlark Medicinals, delayed its inspection, while Midwest Cultivator Group received approval to relocate from Omaha to Gretna after facing zoning changes in Omaha.
The commission’s work is continuing as permanent regulations remain under review. Commissioners approved a formal rule package in April and sent it to Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who has opposed medical marijuana. If signed by Hilgers, the regulations would still need approval from Governor Jim Pillen.
The commission is also moving toward operating more independently, including ending its temporary office and staffing agreement with the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, seeking permanent office space and hiring an executive director.
The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for July 20.
