LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – Nebraska’s medical cannabis commissioners maintained their current regulations Monday despite weeks of public criticism, with only two growing licenses approved out of four allowed statewide.

The two approved growers each plan to cultivate up to 1,250 cannabis plants per harvest.

The commission said this cautious start will help them monitor supply and ensure compliance before expanding the program.

Two other applicants fell short of the required score and appealed their rejections. Commissioners will revisit those cases next month, including one from longtime advocate Crista Eggers.

Eggers questioned why one commissioner gave her application an 11 and another a 72, raising concerns about consistency and transparency in the scoring process.

Commissioners did not respond to her questions but said they want to review the process further before moving ahead with licenses for manufacturers, distributors and dispensaries.

The commission also reaffirmed that smoking or vaping cannabis will remain prohibited under Nebraska’s medical program, keeping the focus on tightly controlled, medical-use products.

“Although 71% of Nebraskans voted for medical cannabis, we still owe it to them to provide it in a medical form that’s not going to lead to more harm than good,” Lorelle Mueting said at the meeting.

Advocates hope the commission will take steps to make the program more accessible for patients at their next meeting on December 2nd.

Copyright 2025 WOWT. All rights reserved.