This legislative bill amends various sections of Nebraska law to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding medical cannabis, specifically addressing the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. Key provisions include the establishment of a new definition for allowable amounts of cannabis, set at up to five ounces, and the introduction of terms such as "cannabis product" and "concentrated cannabis." The bill ensures protections for qualified patients and registered caregivers against arrest or penalties for lawful possession and use of cannabis, while also clarifying that cannabis does not include hemp as defined in the Nebraska Hemp Farming Act. Additionally, it imposes restrictions on cannabis use in certain locations, introduces a special sales and use tax on medical cannabis sales, and repeals obsolete provisions to create a more structured regulatory environment.

The bill also establishes the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, which will oversee the licensing and regulation of cannabis-related activities, including cultivation, processing, and distribution. It introduces a structured licensing framework with five distinct classes of licenses and outlines specific requirements for applicants, including residency criteria and criminal background checks. The commission is granted authority to deny licenses for "good cause" and is responsible for developing rules for licensing, testing, and safety standards. Furthermore, the bill mandates comprehensive record-keeping for cannabis transactions and establishes a statewide track and trace system. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure compliance, safety, and accountability within the medical cannabis industry in Nebraska while aligning it 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