Nebraska Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lynne Walz says if she’s elected next month she will sign an executive order on her first day in office to accelerate implementation of the state’s voter-approved medical marijuana program, while also considering replacing members of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission who she believes are delaying patient access.
Walz made the commitment during a one-on-one interview with Brian Mastre of First Alert 6 (WOWT), published Monday, October 19. The former state senator criticized the pace of implementation under Republican Governor Jim Pillen, arguing that state officials have failed to adequately respect the results of the November 2024 election.
“Day one. Day one, I will sign an executive order,” Walz told Mastre, explaining that her priority would be ensuring patients can obtain medical marijuana through their doctors.
Walz also indicated that she would examine the performance of members of the Medical Cannabis Commission, which oversees the state’s developing medical marijuana industry. She said commissioners who continue delaying access could face replacement, stating that the administration would seek people willing to carry out the responsibilities voters assigned to the commission.
During the interview, Walz described a Vietnam veteran who lived across the street from her and suffered from Parkinson’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. She said the veteran could have benefited from medical marijuana and expressed frustration that patients with similar conditions still lack access to a functioning state-regulated system.
Nebraska voters approved two medical marijuana initiatives in November 2024. Approximately 71% supported a measure protecting qualified patients and caregivers from state criminal penalties for possessing and using marijuana with a written recommendation from a healthcare practitioner. A separate initiative establishing the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission received approximately 67% support.
Nearly two years later, the state has yet to establish a functioning dispensary system. Although regulators have issued cultivation registrations, licensing for manufacturers and dispensaries remains delayed as the commission works through additional regulatory requirements.
The commission held a public hearing on proposed regulatory changes October 15. Under its published implementation timeline, commissioners are scheduled to consider updated rules in November, with a new manufacturer application period anticipated in early 2027.
Walz’s comments come as she campaigns to unseat Pillen in the November 3 election. Her pledge would make accelerating medical marijuana implementation an immediate priority of her administration if elected, including reviewing the commission’s leadership and using executive authority to advance patient access.
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