MACY, Neb. (WOWT) – The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska’s Cannabis Commission passed its rules and regulations on medical marijuana Wednesday afternoon, moving the discussion on to applications.

The move puts them another step closer to launching Nebraska’s first workable, regulated cannabis industry even as the state’s own cannabis commission has faced a series of setbacks and backlash from residents.

The tribe got down to discussing next steps, setting a goal to begin taking applications as early as December meeting, intending to get an application draft published ahead of its meeting next month.

John Cartier, attorney general for the Omaha Tribe, said the tribe would develop a standard procedure for new applications. He suggested that applicants submit a details including a list of financials and shareholders as well as where their proposed sites would be located. During future meetings, the tribe’s commission could hear from those who want to apply for more significant licenses and work toward streamlining a “micro-tribal license” for Omaha Tribe members who want to be home-growers. The commission has previously discussed allowing reservation businesses to run unaccredited while waiting for accreditation.

Cartier also talked during the meeting about the State of Nebraska’s opposition to the tribe moving ahead with medical cannabis in spite of voters’ overwhelming approval for legalization last November. He also noted misinformation coming from officials about the tribe’s intentions, clarifying that the Omaha Tribe is only talking about medical cannabis — not recreational marijuana.

Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana attended the meeting via web conferencing. She expressed her gratitude to the Omaha Tribe for persevering in — and expediting, by comparison — a pathway to medical marijuana for Nebraskans.

“As you carry this torch, there are so many, like myself, who have such hope. We were feeling hopeless for several months that our children could get this medicine. It is a long road,” she said on the web meeting. “…I just want to thank you for extending to all Nebraskans for caring for us, listening to us. What I heard on this call is compassion. A lot of education and listening what we have seen absent at the state level.”

She wasn’t alone in expressing appreciation to the tribe. Other Nebraskans on the call talked about their hopes for medical relief from various health issues.

Omaha Tribe’s Cannabis Commission first met in October, swearing in members and appointing officers. That commission is made up of five members: Secretary Jayzon Hundley, Chairwoman Amanda Hallowell, Allison Stockman, Arthur Isagholian, and Cartier, who sits on the panel as a non-voting member.

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