This bill amends Nebraska law to regulate medical cannabis more effectively, limiting permissible forms to pills or liquid tinctures and redefining relevant terms. It reduces the allowable amount of cannabis a qualified patient may possess from five ounces to three hundred milligrams of delta-9 THC. The bill also removes medical cannabis from the marijuana and controlled substances tax, eliminates obsolete provisions, and harmonizes existing laws. New definitions, such as "permissible cannabis products," clarify the legal status of cannabis accessories and the roles of caregivers and health care practitioners. Additionally, it outlines penalties for violations related to controlled substances while providing exceptions for actions authorized under the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act.

In addition to medical cannabis regulations, the bill introduces amendments concerning drug offenses, particularly for individuals under eighteen. It establishes a tiered penalty system based on the number of offenses, which includes impounding motor vehicle licenses, mandatory drug education classes, and community service. For those without a license, the bill prohibits obtaining such documents for specified periods following a conviction. It also clarifies regulations regarding drug paraphernalia and hemp transport, ensuring that certain provisions do not apply to lawful cannabis activities under the medical acts. The bill mandates that members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission serve on the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission and imposes a tax on marijuana and controlled substances while exempting those legally possessing cannabis under the medical acts. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-416, 28-439, 28-476, 53-105, 53-106, 53-110, 53-111, 77-4303