The General Affairs Committee of the Nebraska legislature heard Monday testimony from two bills that seek to implement the medical cannabis program approved by voters.
LB651 The regulatory framework would apply to all medical cannabis-related businesses including growers, dispensaries and product manufacturers. It also includes vertically integrated companies such as testing laboratories, vertically integrated businesses, test facilities and vertically integrating businesses. LB677 would also provide industry regulations – adding an additional license for transporters – and includes a 4% tax on medical cannabis sales.
According to the proposal, doctors, osteopathic physician, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants would be authorized by law to write a recommendation up to 5 ounces for medical cannabis to individuals who meet certain medical criteria. Individuals younger than 18 years old would require approval by a parent or legal guardian who has the authority to make decisions about their health. Both proposals require that individuals apply for a registration card after receiving the approval of a healthcare provider. This would identify them as qualified patients or registered caregivers.
The two proposals prohibit cannabis use and possession on school property, within childcare centers or at home daycares. They also ban it in prisons, juvenile or adult correctional facilities, youth treatment and rehabilitation facilities, or while driving a car. School authorities would have the authority to create regulations that allowed students to consume non-smoked, vaporized or medical cannabis at certain locations.
No immediate action was taken by the committee on either proposal.
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