In January 2022, State Senator Mike Groene introducedLB 1275. The measure purports to legalize medical cannabis but does not provide for in-state production of cannabis, among other concerning provisions. Without federal reform allowing interstate commerce, then, the bill will not provide access to medical cannabis.
In summary the bill:
Establishes regulations for the establishment of medical cannabis dispensaries, which must be staffed by a licensed pharmacist; however, the bill does not allow for producers of medical cannabis from which dispensaries can acquire medical cannabis products.
Sets forth a list of qualifying health diagnoses for eligible patients, which is limited to:
Stage IV cancer;
Uncontrolled seizures;
Severe or persistent muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy; or
A terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of under one year.
Mandates that healthcare practitioners who issue a written certification for medical cannabis participate in 20 hours of continuing medical education courses developed by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Permits qualifying patients to possess up to two and a half ounces of medical cannabis in flower form but does not allow patients to smoke or vaporize; patients may not possess more than one gram of THC in the form of cannabis products; cannabis products may only exist in the form of oils or pills.
Requires that patients under the age of 19 receive a written certification from three different practitioners within a 90-day period.
Does not include a regulatory system for testing cannabis products in laboratories for potency and quality control.
Establishes a Medicinal Cannabis Board with seven members appointed by the governor; only one of those members may be a qualified medical cannabis patient or caregiver.