‘I’ve been fighting for this’: Dozens voice concerns at public hearing on medical marijuana regulations

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Patients, caregivers and advocates filled the sidewalk outside the Nebraska State Office Building on Wednesday, calling for changes to Nebraska’s proposed medical cannabis regulations.

“71% of Nebraska voters passed the laws,” one woman said. “Stop hindering what we voted for!”

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana hosted an “Hour of Action” just before a public hearing on medical cannabis rules.

SEE ALSO: ‘Patients need relief’: Some Nebraskans upset as medical cannabis faces new setbacks

For those who showed up, the message is clear – give voters what they want.

“We believe they are clearly in violation of the voter enacted statute,” said Crista Eggers, the Executive Director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana. “It is not representing what Nebraskans want, what patients need.”

The commission proposed emergency regulations regarding the amount and type of product, including raw plant, edibles and vapes.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission passes emergency regulations pending Pillen approval

Other rules include the number of licenses to allow for real access to cannabis, and the restrictions placed on medical practitioners.

But for some of those who were at the public hearing, they say these regulations are not honoring the law.

“The patients who want access to this medicine are scared, they’re confused, they’re nervous,” said John Cavanaugh. “They just want medicine for themselves, for their parents, for their children. Things that can really help them live a better life. The commission is making it harder for them.”

SEE ALSO: Pillen approves limits on number of marijuana plants cultivators can grow in Nebraska

And for many of them, this cause is personal.

“I have been fighting for this; my son is 12, he has epilepsy, he also has ADHD,” Marcie Reed said. “He takes tons of meds. I am just wanting the option of something more natural for him.”

The commissions weren’t present for the meeting today, but are scheduled to meet with the public on Nov. 3.