The proposed bill amends the Nebraska Hemp Farming Act and the Uniform Controlled Substances Act to redefine hemp and establish regulations for cannabidiol (CBD) products. A key change is the introduction of a new definition for "cannabidiol product," which must contain CBD as a primary ingredient, adhere to THC limits, and exclude chemically modified cannabinoids. The bill also imposes a ten percent excise tax on the retail sale of CBD products starting January 1, 2026, and mandates that retail sellers maintain accurate sales records and file tax returns. Additionally, it allows individuals to possess illegal hemp without prosecution until December 31, 2025, and clarifies transportation regulations for federally compliant hemp.

Moreover, the bill updates definitions and provisions related to controlled substances, ensuring that hemp is not classified as a controlled substance under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act unless it fails to comply with the Nebraska Hemp Farming Act. It introduces clarifications regarding hashish and concentrated cannabis, stating they do not include CBD products or those contained in FDA-approved drugs. The bill also refines legal language by redefining terms such as "exceptionally hazardous drug" and "controlled substance analogue," while repealing certain sections of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to streamline the legal framework surrounding controlled substances.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-503, 2-505, 2-515, 28-401
Final Reading: 2-501, 2-503, 2-505, 2-515, 28-401