‘Today is nothing to celebrate’: Nebraska nonprofit says reclassification of medical marijuana won’t change anything
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A major turning point has come for medical marijuana across the country.
For decades, advocates have sought the right to legally use it to help with pain, nausea, epilepsy and mental health.
Leading the charge in Nebraska is Crista Eggers, the executive director of the non-profit Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, but her reaction to the reclassification news might just surprise you.
“Today was vindication, but today is nothing to celebrate as a Nebraskan,” said Eggers.
With 71% of the state’s voters in support of medical cannabis, legislation was passed to give access to patients in need; however, 18 months later, Eggers says dispensaries still lack licenses to sell it, and those who want it are still waiting.
“The reality is we have seen elected officials in this state do everything that they can to stall, delay and stand in the way of this progress and the day that Nebraskans have real access to this medicine,” said Eggers.
“Today’s rescheduling doesn’t suddenly allow Nebraska to act. It doesn’t change anything.”
The President first announced his plan to reclassify it in January 2026, which would allow research to be done so it could be used as medicine.
On Thursday, the acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche, signed an order to allow that to happen.
“A lot of people are suffering from big problems; this seems to be the best answer. They’re very happy about it. The rescheduling is happening, so that is a big thing,” said President Trump at a press conference on Thursday.
Despite many viewing this move as progressive, Eggers says it’s tragic to her that the people whose voices she says were not heard for years are now being ignored.
“I have shared our stories. We have never stopped. For over a decade, patients have been saying this and pleading throughout their suffering and waiting. There are patients in the state who have died. They have died in the waiting,” she said.
Eggers says what she hopes for next is an expedition of medical programs.
