Nebraska senators to consider Gov. Pillen’s medical marijuana commission appointees

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – A day after Nebraska lawmakers rejected a bill to regulate medical marijuana, many are wondering what happens next.

It was State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, a Republican, who sponsored the regulation bill, LB677, which his colleagues rejected on Tuesday.

The fate of medical marijuana is in question, especially since Governor Jim Pillen appointed two people to a commission to regulate it who have repeatedly shared their opposition to even the idea of the drug.

Lorelle Mueting and Monica Oldenburg are Pillen’s appointees. This year, Mueting testified in opposition to Hansen’s regulation bill, saying his bill was not restrictive enough.

Two years ago, she testified in front of senators saying in part: “I’m here on behalf of myself today. And I just want to offer you a perspective from a Nebraska citizen who is not in favor of medical marijuana.”

In 2021, Pillen’s second appointee, Monica Oldenberg, testified before senators about medical marijuana.

“The cost to society is tremendous,” said Oldenberg. “Are we willing to sacrifice our teens? Will we put profits over people? I hope Nebraska can resist this detrimental influence and continue to be the good- sober-life.”

Given these stances, Hansen worries access to medical marijuana for those who need it is in jeopardy.

“My biggest concern is restricting it too much,” said Hansen.

He believes the people may rise up again and vote for something else if the cannabis commission takes restrictions too far.

“If you leave them no choice, I can only assume that they’re going to run a recreational cannabis petition and possibly be successful,” said Hansen.

Opponents yesterday said they believe Hansen’s regulation bill would lead to recreational marijuana.

“If we’re about honoring the people as passed in the ballot box, we should be focused only on completing the task they gave us, confirming the appointees to the medical cannabis commission,” said State Sen. Jared Storm of David City.

Hansen said the commission cannot impose taxes like the legislature can.

“I’m assuming the people of Nebraska are not going to be happy we cannot tax this anymore like we did in my bill,” said Hansen. “That money would’ve gone towards the property tax credit relief fund,” said Hansen.

Hansen’s bill outlined 15 medical conditions along with the legal forms to take the drug. Now, those are the finer points the commission will need to create and do so by early July.

“In my opinion is if the medical cannabis commission restricts this too much, I would not be surprised to see my bill prioritized and up early in January for debate again,” said Hansen.

The hearings for the two appointees are set for Thursday at 2 p.m.

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