Nebraska Medical Marijuana Laws: Progress & Challenges

After years of passionate advocacy, legal hurdles, and multiple failed attempts, Nebraska voters finally approved medical marijuana in 2024. Now, in 2025, lawmakers are deep in deliberations to shape the state's first-ever medical marijuana program. Although the law is technically in effect, there are still many questions left unanswered, including when patients will be able to legally access marijuana and what conditions will qualify.

Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: medical marijuana is coming to Nebraska, and it’s time for patients, providers, and the public to prepare.

Medical Marijuana Passed by Voters With Strong Support

In November 2024, Nebraska voters overwhelmingly passed two ballot measures:

Legalizing medical marijuana with up to 5 ounces allowed for patients with a written recommendation from a healthcare provider
Establishing a regulatory framework via the creation of a new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission

These measures received over 70% of the vote, with support from all 49 legislative districts, a clear mandate from the people.

But despite the public’s overwhelming support, lawmakers are struggling to agree on how to roll out the program. Legislative Bill 677, introduced by Senator Ben Hansen (R-Blair), is currently the most viable path forward. It aims to define qualifying conditions, allowed products, and licensing procedures for dispensaries and producers.

Lawmakers Clash Over Qualifying Conditions

One of the biggest debates in Nebraska’s Legislature centers around which medical conditions will be eligible for marijuana treatment. Senator Rick Holdcroft (R-Bellevue), who chairs the General Affairs Committee, and his committee are in an ongoing debate on what conditions will be eligible. As of right now, they want to identify about six conditions that would qualify for access to medical marijuana.

But patient advocates argue this would undermine the will of the voters, who passed a law that did not specify a restricted list. Advocates, including Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, insist that access should be broad and patient-focused, not dictated by political fears of recreational use.

What the Law Currently Allows

Although the law took effect on December 12, 2024, and allows up to 5 ounces of marijuana for patients with a physician’s recommendation, there are still no legal avenues to purchase or produce marijuana in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, created by the ballot initiative, has not yet issued rules, hired staff, or opened applications for dispensaries, cultivators, or medical professionals. Licensing is supposed to begin by October 1, 2025, but lawmakers are now considering pushing that deadline back by several months due to lack of infrastructure and political delays.

Why You’ll Need a Medical Marijuana Card in Nebraska

Until Nebraska’s medical marijuana program officially launches, patients cannot legally access marijuana in the state, even if they qualify. But once the program is in place, having a valid medical marijuana card will be the only legal way to purchase, possess, and use marijuana in Nebraska - that's where we come in!

A card will grant you:

Legal protection from criminal charges
Access to licensed dispensaries (once open)
Regulated, tested marijuana products
Guidance from trained healthcare providers

Many patients currently rely on prescription medications with severe side effects or limited effectiveness. Medical marijuana offers a natural, evidence-based option for conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, seizures, cancer symptoms, and more. It’s time Nebraskans had access to the same treatment choices available in nearly 40 other states.

What Will Be Allowed

There’s also ongoing debate about which forms of marijuana will be permitted. While some lawmakers, like freshman Senator Jared Storm, want to restrict marijuana to pills or tinctures, others are pushing for a wider range of products, including:

Edibles
Vape pens
Concentrates
Topicals
Flower (for smoking or vaping)

Senator Holdcroft has floated the idea of banning smoking entirely, but many patients say inhalation is the most effective method for fast relief. If the law is too restrictive, it may exclude those who need marijuana the most.

Delays Could Fuel Calls for Recreational Legalization

Senator Hansen has cautioned that attempts to delay or weaken Nebraska's medical marijuana program could backfire, potentially driving voters to push for full recreational legalization. With public support for marijuana reform growing, advocates are already preparing for a possible 2026 adult-use ballot initiative if legislators fail to implement an effective medical program. Hansen's pragmatic stance emphasizes progress over perfection: "Let's get something passed in 2025. Even if it's not perfect, we need a foundation to build from."

Nebraska faces a critical timeline for its medical marijuana program implementation, with the regulatory framework currently set to take effect July 1, 2025, followed by licensing intended to begin October 1, 2025, though delays remain possible. The legislature is expected to address regulatory legislation in summer 2025, with dispensary and production licenses potentially being awarded between fall 2025 and winter 2026 if the necessary infrastructure is established.

Until regulations are finalized, Nebraska remains in a holding pattern, though stakeholders including patient groups, healthcare providers, and marijuana advocates are actively preparing to participate in the market once it launches. The current situation leaves the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission unable to begin licensing procedures, meaning patients continue to lack safe access to medical marijuana while the state works through its regulatory process.

Prepare Now, Get Ready to Enroll

Even if the exact launch date for Nebraska's medical marijuana program remains unclear, it's certain that medical cannabis access is on the horizon. For patients suffering from chronic conditions, the best approach is to stay informed and begin preparations by consulting with your doctor about your condition, monitoring updates from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, connecting with advocacy organizations like Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, and being prepared to apply for your medical marijuana card as soon as the system becomes operational.

As neighboring states continue expanding their cannabis access, Nebraska is finally making progress toward joining them. Medical marijuana represents a safe, regulated, and effective treatment option that Nebraskans have long deserved but been denied, making this development significant for thousands of potential patients across the state.

Whether you're a patient seeking relief, a caregiver supporting a loved one, or an entrepreneur interested in entering the cannabis industry, now is the critical time to begin preparing for Nebraska's medical marijuana program.

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana

You have to wait for the Nebraska lawmakers to finally pass a medical marijuana law before you can buy medicine, but you might not have to wait long.

Don’t delay! Reserve an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate cannabis doctors!

We’ll set up an appointment for you just as soon as Nebraska's medical marijuana market is up and running. You’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation!

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

If you have any questions, call us at 833-781-6675, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!