Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana Director Christa Eggers says voter-approved medical cannabis laws are technically in effect, but remain largely inaccessible due to a lack of implementation here in the Cornhusker State.

Speaking about the issue Monday night in Scottsbluff, Eggers noted that while legislation signed in December 2024 allows patients with a healthcare provider’s recommendation to possess cannabis, there are currently no doctors issuing those recommendations and no functional system in place for patients to obtain it.

Eggers argued that the original intent of voters was to allow full access to the cannabis plant in consultation with a healthcare provider, but that intent has not been realized. Instead, she says decision-making has shifted away from doctors and patients to lawmakers and regulators like Attorney General Mike Hilgers, creating barriers that prevent meaningful access.

“Last legislative session (he), took an op ed out, actually with Senator Pete Ricketts that said ”Legislature stand down, do not do anything.’ So you have an attorney general leading litigation. Has never, ever, been supportive of this issue. Even when he was in the legislature.”

Gov. Jim Pillen was also quoted by the Nebraska Examiner that when Nebraska does have readily available medical marijuana, it’s going to taste like crap and be a bitter pill to swallow.

“The Governor has been opposed to this. I know he has made comments that says he is for medical cannabis. We are not seeing that, and that is not what his actions or inactions would say.”

Eggers also criticized proposed regulations from the Cannabis Commission, saying they conflict with what voters approved. She highlighted restrictions on allowable forms of cannabis, THC limits, and requirements that only Nebraska-based practitioners can issue recommendations.

She says these rules significantly limit patient access, especially for those with serious medical conditions who may require specific forms or higher doses.

Eggers urged Nebraskans to stay engaged in the political process, emphasizing that elected officials ultimately determine whether voter-approved measures are fully implemented.