Bill > LB651

This bill establishes a comprehensive medical cannabis regulatory framework in Nebraska. The bill creates two primary acts: the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. Key provisions include: This bill establishes a comprehensive medical cannabis program in Nebraska with detailed regulations for patients, caregivers, and cannabis businesses. The bill creates a Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee licensing and regulation, and establishes a registry program for qualified patients and caregivers. Patients with qualifying medical conditions can obtain a registry card to purchase and possess up to five ounces of cannabis, with provisions for physicians to recommend larger amounts in certain circumstances. The bill sets strict rules for cannabis businesses, including cultivators, dispensaries, products manufacturers, and testing facilities, with requirements for licensing, security, tracking, packaging, and testing. Importantly, the bill includes protections for patients and caregivers, such as preventing discrimination in employment and housing, and allowing patients to use medical cannabis with certain restrictions (e.g., no use in schools or public places). It also establishes a special sales tax rate of 4% for cannabis sales and creates a Medical Cannabis Control Fund to manage program revenues. The bill imposes stringent requirements on cannabis packaging, including child-resistant containers and warning labels, and sets limits on THC content and serving sizes for different cannabis products. The regulatory framework includes provisions for local government oversight, inspections, and potential penalties for violations. The bill also amends various existing statutes to integrate the medical cannabis program into Nebraska's legal framework, including changes to controlled substances laws, tax codes, and other relevant regulations.

Government Affairs

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59170