This bill amends various sections of Nebraska law to enhance the state's medical cannabis framework, introducing the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Justice Act and the Cannabis Conviction Clean Slate Act. These acts aim to improve protections for medical cannabis patients and caregivers, establish a special sales and use tax on medical cannabis sales, and clarify definitions related to cannabis use and regulation. Key provisions include the prohibition of open cannabis containers in motor vehicles, the establishment of a medical cannabis registry program, and the emphasis on the rights of qualified patients and registered caregivers. The bill also streamlines the legal framework by removing obsolete provisions and repealing certain sections of existing law.

Additionally, the bill outlines a comprehensive regulatory structure for the medical cannabis industry, including the establishment of various types of licenses, such as cultivator and dispensary licenses, with a focus on promoting social equity. It mandates that at least fifty percent of all licenses be issued to social equity applicants and introduces guidelines for the application process, emphasizing residency requirements and disqualifying offenses. The bill also creates the Cannabis Community Reinvestment Fund to support communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and allows individuals with certain cannabis-related convictions to petition for clean slate relief. Overall, the legislation aims to create a structured, equitable, and supportive environment for medical cannabis use and regulation in Nebraska.

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