Nebraska’s latest medical marijuana regulatory updates will not be finalized until 2027, delaying the next stages of business licensing even as 10 applications for product manufacturer licenses have been submitted.
Members of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission discussed the timeline during a September 14 meeting that included updates on a required public hearing and implementation of the voter-approved medical marijuana program.
According to Nebraska Public Media, which attended the meeting, commissioners said the updated regulations will not become final until next year. The commission has said it will not move forward with licensing product manufacturers or dispensaries until fees associated with those licenses are authorized.
The delay comes as interest in manufacturing licenses significantly exceeds the number of licenses ultimately expected to be available. Nebraska Public Media reported that 10 manufacturer applications had been submitted as of Monday. The application period officially closed September 14 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
The commission voted August 17 to advance amendments to its regulations along with a proposed fee schedule. Under the state’s formal rulemaking process, the changes must go through public comment and a hearing before commissioners can adopt a final package. The regulations would then require review by Attorney General Mike Hilgers and approval by Gov. Jim Pillen.
Commissioners scheduled the public hearing for October 15. The proposed rules could return to the commission for consideration at its October 19 meeting or in November, according to Nebraska Public Media.
Nebraska lawmakers authorized the commission earlier this year to establish regulatory fees of up to $50,000 per fee. The commission says it cannot collect its proposed fees until the regulations have been formally adopted, approved by the governor and in effect for five days.
The state already has permanent medical marijuana regulations in effect. Hilgers approved those rules June 30, followed by Pillen on July 1. The current rulemaking involves additional amendments, including the fee structure and registration and renewal procedures needed for the program’s continued rollout.
The commission also selected Brett Long, a tax revenue specialist with the Nebraska Department of Revenue, to serve as its new executive director. Long is scheduled to begin September 28.
Nebraska voters approved medical marijuana legalization and a separate regulatory initiative in November 2024. The program has since faced repeated legal and regulatory delays as officials work toward establishing a functioning system for patients to obtain marijuana from licensed businesses.
