Medical Cannabis Commission sticks to strict regulations despite outrage from Nebraskans
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Medical Cannabis Commissioners voted against any changes to their regulations on Tuesday.
The topic of medical marijuana has become more tense over the past several months.
Some Nebraskans feel there has been no real progress in getting it out to patients.
But on Tuesday, the commissioners spoke candidly at a public hearing, telling people where they’re coming from.
“We are starting from zero, and we think we’re doing the best we can to get this program up and running as best we can,” Commissioner J. Michael Coffey said. “And it doesn’t happen overnight.”
But one testifier said the commissioners are deliberately ignoring the will of the people.
“So this is what we face: Not a group of people who will show us any respect, not a group of people looking for any productive input, not a group of people willing to use their opportunity to do something truly amazing for the patients of the state,” Shannon Coryell said. “Instead, we’re given a group of people who truly don’t care.”
SEE ALSO: ‘Patients need relief’: Some Nebraskans upset as medical cannabis faces new setbacks
The commissioners addressed concerns with the current regulations.
One of the things that many are upset about is the rule against patients using smoking or vaping 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 do more harm than good,” Commissioner Lorelle Mueting said. “Smoking and vaping are not only harmful to the lungs and pulmonary system, they’re harmful to the heart and cardiovascular system.”
SEE ALSO: Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission passes emergency regulations pending Pillen approval
Coffey also spoke about why the commission is only allowing four cultivators of medical marijuana across the state.
“I think we need to proceed somewhat cautiously. We have no idea what the market’s going to be,” he said. “And what everybody needs to understand is that if there is more demand, we can change it. We can up it. This isn’t cast in stone.”
The commissioners unanimously voted against any changes to the regulations, with the understanding that they can be adjusted in the future as the process moves forward.
But the people at the hearing said this outcome is a disappointment.
