LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – Monday’s monthly meeting of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission started with a resignation.

Dr. Monica Oldenburg, who was serving as the commission’s chairperson after she was appointed to the panel last year by Gov. Jim Pillen, has resigned.

Until the governor appoints a replacement, the remaining board Lorelle Meuting, who was appointed alongside Dr. Oldenburg, as the interim chairperson.

The commission is made up of the three state liquor control commissioners plus two more appointed by the governor.

At last month’s meeting, the commission approved the creation of a stand-alone website separate from the state liquor control commission’s website.

In December, the group met with two new members after Pillen appointed Robert “Bud” Synhorst and James Elworth to the commission in mid-November, bringing the total membership to five.

Commissioners have maintained their current regulations despite public criticism. Under the rules, smoking or vaping cannabis is illegal — leaving consumption to only pills and creams.

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This is a developing story.

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