This year, we saw one major win in terms of marijuana legalization, and it happened in the Cornhusker State. That’s right: Nebraska medical marijuana is finally legal for residents who qualify.
But, when will residents start to see Nebraska medical marijuana become available? When will the medical marijuana program roll out, and what will the marijuana laws look like?
While we can’t say for sure, let’s go over everything we do know about medical marijuana in Nebraska and how things are going to change over the next few months.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Nebraska?
Finally, as of November 2024, Nebraska voted to legalize medical cannabis for those with qualifying medical conditions. This makes it the 39th state to do so.
In the past, Nebraska has had very strict regulations surrounding marijuana, making it nearly impossible for anyone in the state to obtain it. This created a need for black market weed, or for residents to travel across state lines — which is beyond illegal.
Thankfully, residents of Nebraska voted yes on both medical marijuana initiatives the state proposed. Initiative 437, which legalized up to five ounces of cannabis for medical purposes, passed with an overwhelming 70%.
Initiative 438 established the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to ensure proper regulation of MMJ in the state. This too, passed overwhelming with 67% of residents voting yes.
While it’s taken decades to get to this point, those in the Cornhusker State can finally begin to breathe a sigh of relief knowing they’ll have access to plant products soon enough.
The History of Marijuana in Nebraska
Medical marijuana may finally be legal in Nebraska, but the state’s strict stance on cannabis as a whole made it a bit tough to get there. This means that residents may not see legal recreational marijuana for a minute.
Like much of the country, Nebraska prohibited marijuana in the early 20th century, following federal and state-level anti-drug campaigns. However, in 1979, the state made a surprising move by decriminalizing possession of small amounts.
Under this law, possession of one ounce or less is treated as an infraction, punishable by a fine instead of jail time. Despite this early step toward reform, Nebraska has consistently resisted broader legalization efforts.
Medical marijuana proposals have repeatedly faced strong opposition from lawmakers and the governor, stalling progress in both the legislature and through ballot initiatives.
While low-THC CBD oil was approved in 2015 for epilepsy patients, the program remained highly restrictive and inaccessible for most residents — until now.
Nebraska Medical Marijuana Regulations
Since Nebraska only recently announced the legalization of medical marijuana in the state, lawmakers haven’t had a chance to establish regulations just yet.
However, from what we know, Nebraska medical marijuana patients will likely be able to possess up to five ounces of cannabis at a time. Unfortunately, neither of the ballot initiatives outlined the legalization of at-home cultivation.
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission will oversee the production, distribution, and overall regulation of medical marijuana within the state.
However, there are currently some roadblocks the state is facing regarding the legitimacy of the signatures required for the ballot. Thus, these regulations remain a bit up in the air for now.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Nebraska
Once the medical marijuana program in Nebraska is up and running, it will be time for you to get your MMJ card.
The exact steps may vary a bit depending on how the state runs things, but if you want to know how to get a medical marijuana card in Nebraska, you’ll need to start by seeing a certified physician.
An MMJ doctor is going to be able to give you the recommendation you need to then register with the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.
Here at Elevate Holistics, our expert team can also help you register with the state — something that most medical cannabis recommendation services won’t do.
Once you’ve applied to the state’s program, you’ll simply wait for approval. Then, when they approve you, you’ll get your Nebraska medical marijuana card and can start shopping at local dispensaries (once they open, of course).
Again, we don’t know for sure when this will happen. It could be anytime from the start of next year to a few years from now depending on how long it takes for the state to straighten things out. But, for now, you can rest easy knowing that MMJ is in your future as a Nebraskan — especially with the help of Elevate Holistics.
If you want to see us operating in Nebraska now that they have legal weed, contact us at [email protected] and let us know!
Staying Up to Date With Elevate Holistics
As you know, things move quickly within the cannabis industry, and it can sometimes be hard to keep up with. But, that’s exactly why Elevate Holistics is here.
Not only are we keen on getting you a medical marijuana card, but our goal is also always to keep you in the know about cannabis regulations in your area. Whether its legalization, reform, or decriminalization, if something changes in the industry, we’ll let you know.
While you’re waiting for Nebraska to see medical marijuana, get your MMJ card in a surrounding state! This way, you can enjoy legal weed ASAP.
All you have to do is click the button below to get started. Then, before you know it, we can help you get your card in Nebraska, too.
