Lincoln, Neb. – A public hearing before the Nebraska Cannabis Commission on Thursday attracted fewer than ten members of the public, a stark contrast to earlier meetings that filled an auditorium. The small turnout underscored growing frustration among supporters of the state’s medical marijuana program, which was approved by 71% of voters in 2022.
Advocates cite delays and regulatory hurdles
Crista Eggers, president of the nonprofit Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, told Channel 8 that the promise of a functional medical‑marijuana system is being eroded by prolonged delays. “They’re tired, they’re hurting, they are sick,” Eggers said, describing patients and families awaiting relief.
Eggers recalled the optimism felt two years ago when Nebraskans voted overwhelmingly for the measure. “We marked that box with hope that something amazing was before us, that our children and the patients of this state would finally see the day,” she said, her voice trembling.
During the hearing, Eggers outlined three key areas where she believes the current regulations fall short: restrictive physician‑participation rules, limited dispensary access, and low THC limits that hinder effective treatment. She warned that without prompt action, the program could fail to attract doctors, patients and cultivators, leaving patients without affordable options.
Attorney General’s evolving stance
Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who previously expressed opposition to legal access for medicinal marijuana, has since approved a set of regulations governing possession, distribution and delivery of cannabis in June 2026. While his office has not issued a new statement for this hearing, the commission’s email to the press encouraged voters to review the agency’s website, which now hosts 76 pages of regulations.
One proposed amendment would impose fees as high as $20,000 on cannabis cultivators, a figure that critics argue could deter new growers and limit product availability.
Bipartisan support highlighted
Jocelyn Brasher, a candidate for the upcoming Attorney General race, attended the hearing and emphasized the broad coalition that backed the 71% vote. “That takes more than just Democrats. That takes Independents and Republicans to get that 71% in Nebraska,” she said, reminding listeners that the issue transcends party lines.
Other speakers called for increased public education about the medical benefits of cannabis, accusing policymakers of prioritizing politics over science. “You chose politics over learning the medical values of cannabis,” one attendee remarked.
Commission response and next steps
The Nebraska Cannabis Commission declined to comment during the meeting but later sent an email urging the public to visit its website for the full regulatory text. Eggers urged voters to treat the issue as if it were back on the ballot, urging grassroots pressure to accelerate implementation.
Channel 8’s request for an updated statement from Attorney General Hilgers has not yet been answered.
What this means for Nebraskans
If the commission adopts the proposed fee structure and does not address physician and dispensary constraints, patients could face higher costs and reduced access to effective treatments. Conversely, a swift revision of the rules could fulfill the promise of the 2022 voter mandate, providing a regulated, safe pathway for patients seeking relief.
Stakeholders are watching closely as the commission prepares its final rulemaking package, with the expectation that any changes will be subject to further public comment before becoming law.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
