The Legislature’s General Affairs Committee heard testimony Thursday afternoon from two appointments to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.

The commission is made up of three current members from the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission and up to two additional members appointed by the governor.

Gov. Jim Pillen selected Lorelle Mueting and Dr. Monica Oldenburg from a pool of applicants.

Mueting serves as a prevention program director at Heartland Family Service, while Oldenburg is an anesthesiologist who previously practiced in Colorado. Both have a history of opposition to medical marijuana legalization.

Sen. John Cavanaugh questioned whether their beliefs make them the right choice to regulate medical cannabis and license dispensaries – the primary role of the commission.

Mueting responded that she would try to prevent unintended consequences of legalization while respecting the will of voters.

“The people have spoken and medical marijuana – medical cannabis – is what, you know, people in Nebraska voted for, and so I don’t view my role on this to try and squash it, because I don’t have the power to do that,” she said.

Oldenburg said she would rely on medical research for her decision-making.

“I’m not a prohibitionist,” she said. “I’m pro research. There are new studies coming out every day. I’m acutely aware that medical research and emerging studies are the driving force behind the changes in the way we practice medicine.”

Each nominee was questioned by senators for around 30 minutes. After that, members of the public had the opportunity to weigh in. A majority of public testifiers expressed frustration regarding the nominees’ views on medical marijuana, while others lauded their integrity and experience.

If confirmed by the majority of senators in the Unicameral, the nominees will serve six-year terms on the commission.

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