This bill amends various sections of Nebraska law to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding medical cannabis through updates to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. Key changes include defining the "allowable amount of cannabis" as up to five ounces, introducing terms like "cannabis product" and "concentrated cannabis," and clarifying the roles of caregivers. The bill establishes protections for qualified patients and registered caregivers possessing cannabis within legal limits and outlines restrictions on cannabis use in specific locations, such as schools and vehicles. It also mandates that schools and facilities cannot unreasonably limit patient access to cannabis unless it jeopardizes federal benefits.

Additionally, the bill creates a structured licensing framework for cannabis establishments, introducing five distinct classes of licenses and establishing a seed-to-sale tracking system. It empowers local governing bodies to impose stricter regulations and outlines the responsibilities of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission in overseeing licensing and compliance. The bill emphasizes safety standards for cannabis products, including packaging and labeling requirements, and establishes the Medical Cannabis Control Fund to support enforcement efforts. Overall, the amendments aim to create a comprehensive and organized environment for medical cannabis in Nebraska, ensuring public safety and compliance with existing laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-416, 28-439, 53-105, 53-106, 53-110, 53-111, 71-5727, 77-2701.02, 77-2701.48, 77-2704.09, 77-4303, 81-1021