Connect with us

Cannabis News

Nebraska Legislature Approves Bill To Protect Doctors Who Recommend Medical Marijuana

Published

3 months ago

on

“Today is a small step forward, but we are facing terrible prospects.”

Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner

Health care Practitioners wishing to recommend medical cannabis to patients in Nebraska They are one step closer to having legal protections to write the recommendation in the face of opposition from some state leaders.

The Legislature voted 30-7 Friday to advance House Bill 933 by state Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha. It would protect medical providers from criminal, civil or disciplinary penalties “merely” for providing a written recommendation or stating that, in their professional opinion, the potential benefits of cannabis outweigh the potential harms.

“It would create a step forward and hope and opportunity for these families who have worked so hard, waited so long and would like to have that conversation with their doctors and then get some relief,” Cavanaugh said during the discussion.

Legislators clarified that the practitioner would not be protected from malpractice or professional negligence claims, such as failing to evaluate a patient or follow an appropriate standard of care. A Cavanaugh amendment passed 35-4, as did a similar amendment from the House Health and Human Services Committee on a 38-4 vote.

State Sen. Brian Hardin Gering, chairman of the HHS Committee, opposed LB 933 in committee, but said the added language was an “important clarification.”

“Practitioners are protected by the recommendation itself, but they are responsible for conducting a thorough and appropriate assessment of the patient before making it,” Hardin said.

“Professional malpractice or negligence” is defined in law as failure to use “ordinary and reasonable care, skill and knowledge normally possessed and exercised by members of his profession engaged in similar activities in the same or similar countries.”

In the 2024 general election, 71% of voters supported a recommendation to legalize the possession of 5 ounces of medical cannabis, and 67% of voters created the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.

Reaching 33 votes

Similar protections for providers were included in a bill offering a broader regulatory framework proposed in 2025, LB 677 by state Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair. The bill failed 23-22, missing the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

Cavanaugh’s LB 933 would also need 33 votes to change voter-approved laws, as required by the Nebraska Constitution.

There is still a way to get there, with 12 senators absent or absent from Friday’s vote. One of them, State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, who was “absent, did not vote,” supported LB 677 10 months ago but did not vote to advance LB 933. He is the only supporter of LB 677 on that ship.

Holdcroft helped get LB 677 out of the General Affairs Committee as committee chair. He said his biggest concern last year was funding for the commission, which this year is being addressed by state budget adjustments LB 1071 and a separate General Affairs bill, LB 1235.

Holdcroft noted that the Medical Cannabis Board has just completed licensing four growers, and indicated that it could be eight months to a year before there is enough of a crop to manufacture and later distribute.

“To start giving immunity to doctors who are going to make recommendations for a product that we won’t even have for a year is, I think, a little premature,” Holdcroft said.

Cavanaugh, Hansen and other advocates say the protections are necessary for a state program to exist. So far, they said, no state doctor has made a recommendation, in part because of fear of retribution, such as from law enforcement. And without protection, supporters worry that there will be no patients able to access board-licensed facilities.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) rallied law enforcement against Hansen’s LB 677 in 2025 and spoke out against the health care professionals’ language. His office did not formally oppose LB 933, nor did the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

“The preponderance of scientific evidence”

State Sen. Jared Storm of David City, who led the opposition to LB 677 last year, introduced an amendment to Cavanaugh’s bill requiring the health care professional’s recommendation to be “based on the preponderance of current scientific evidence.”

Storm argued that the “simple and straightforward addition” was rooted in the Hippocratic Oath “to do no harm.”

“If you’re against this amendment, you’re in favor of recreational marijuana,” Storm said. “If you’re in favor of my correction, you see this as medicine.”

Cavanaugh argued the opposite, that LB 933 It would protect advocates and not encourage them to rally in favor of recreational marijuana because of delays in access to medical marijuana. Hansen made a similar request last year.

“If you don’t want a recreational program, we have to make our medical program functional,” Cavanaugh said.

Storm, Hansen and Cavanaugh said they know of no doctors nationwide who have been sued for malpractice or negligence for recommending medicinal cannabis.

‘Moral hazard’ or ‘dangerous road’?

State Sens. Tanya Storer of Whitman and Bob Andersen of Sarpy County argued, as Storm did, that the debate was about public safety rather than medical cannabis.

Storer said, “Immunity creates moral hazard. When there are no consequences, there is less incentive to exercise caution.”

Cavanaugh and Hansen were concerned about the long-term effects of Ekaitz’s proposal, arguing that it “muddies the water.” Hansen said we could “go back and bite ourselves in the ass” over some drugs, such as Ivermectin, used in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cavanaugh said he spoke with the Nebraska Medical Association and the association’s malpractice provider, and Cavanaugh told him that Storm’s amendment would “create more uncertainty.”

Hansen, the former chairman of the HHS Committee, said he understood where Storm was coming from and was aware of Storm’s views on medical cannabis. Hansen said using the “preponderance of scientific evidence” would rule out more than 38 percent of the drugs dispensed off-label.

“I think we’re going down a very dangerous path in the future in terms of micromanaging how a medical professional can prescribe medication in the future,” Hansen said.

‘A bit of fixer upper’

State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, a former prosecutor, clarified with Cavanaugh that nothing in LB 933 would protect a practitioner’s license if it went against their professional judgment. He said the legal standard is based on someone’s education, training and experience. He accepted protections.

Storm said one problem was the difference between a “recommendation” and a “prescription” for medical cannabis. For example, he noted, opioids are tracked under the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Hansen proposed using this system in LB 677.

Hardin, who ultimately did not vote on advancing LB 933, said he supported Ekaitz’s amendment. He said they’ve studied marijuana “since they were crossing a mile from my house on the Oregon Trail,” and with dozens of states legalizing marijuana, how to ask that question “in the safest way possible.”

“I think it’s a little bit of a fix, and I think we’re getting there,” Hardin said.

The storm amendment failed 22-19. They may try again at a future debate, as five senators were absent from the state Capitol Friday, including Storer.

‘Small step forward’

Crista Eggers of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana said she was encouraged by the progress of LB 933, but some of the debate, especially around Storm’s amendment, shows continued opposition to a functioning state program.

“It’s a small step forward today, but we face daunting prospects as this bill moves forward to select file and final reading,” Eggers said after the vote.

“Nebraskas have had few victories in this decades-long battle,” he continued. “Today is one of them.”

LB 933 has two more rounds of debate before it, with 33 votes it can send to Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen for his signature.

Vote to advance bill 933 related to medicinal cannabis

Yes (30): John Arch, Carolyn Bosn, Eliot Bostar*, Tom Brandt*, John Cavanaugh*, Machaela Cavanaugh*, Stan Clouse*, Danielle Conrad*, Wendy DeBoer*, Barry DeKay, Myron Dorn*, George Dungan*, John Fredrickson*, Dunixi Guereca*, Ben Hansen*, Jana Hughes*, Terrell*, Margo Juguez*, Margo Juguez McKinney*, Fred Meyer, Glen Meyer*, Jason Prokop*, Dan Quick*, Jane Raybould*, Merv Riepe, Victor Rountree*, Rita Sanders, Ashley Spivey, Brad von Gillern and Dave Wordekemper*.

No (7): Bob Andersen, Rob Clements, Mike Jacobson, Kathleen Kauth, Loren Lippincott, Dave Murman and Jared Storm.

Presented, not voted (7): Christy Armendariz, Beau Ballard, Brian Hardin, Rick Holdcroft*, Teresa Ibach, Mike Moser and Tony Sorrentino.

Sorry, no vote (5): Rob Dover, Bob Hallstrom, Dan Lonowski, Tanya Storer and Paul Strommen.

* Voted in favor of a broader scope of medical cannabis proposed in 2025 (Legislative Bill 677).

This story was first published by the Nebraska Examiner.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Cannabis News

Concert Series Specials launched for state medical cannabis patients

Published

11 hours ago

on

June 8, 2026

By











Post Dispensary, Kentucky’s first medical cannabis dispensary, is connecting with patients in Owensboro, Henderson, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Madisonville, Hopkinsville and surrounding areas by aligning unique specials with the region’s summer concert calendar. Located at 300 N Main St. in Beaver Dam, minutes from major highways connecting these vibrant cities.

This summer, The Post Dispensary is offering special pricing and incentives for Concert Series Events at the Beaver Dam Amphitheater, SPARKS in the Park 4th of July celebration and surrounding events, such as Owensboro’s ROMP Festival (June 24-27, 2026). Patients can stop by before or after shows for big savings.

“We’re more than just a booty,” said a dispensary representative. “From Owensboro’s world-class ROMP Festival to Beaver Dam’s Amphitheater events, we’re making it convenient and budget-friendly for patients in Owensboro, Henderson, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Hartford and beyond to combine our love of music with compassionate care and an affordable product.”

The Post Dispensary hosts regular Patient Guidance events on the second Saturday of every month. These units have professionals on hand to assess patients and issue written certificates at low cost, application support and expert consultations in a welcoming environment. The next Patient Drive aligns perfectly with summer travel patterns, making it easy for patients from Owensboro, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Madisonville, Henderson, Madisonville and surrounding towns to plan a trip to Beaver Dam that combines care with community and entertainment.

For more information:
Post-Dispensary
thepostdispensary.com/










Continue Reading

Cannabis News

Missouri GOP Lawmakers Hope Trump’s Psychedelics Order Boosts Efforts To Allow Military Veteran Access In The State

Published

11 hours ago

on

June 8, 2026

By

“Congratulations to President Trump for stepping up and taking the lead on this. PTSD is a killer among veterans.”

By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent

Missouri state representative Dave Griffith has spent the past five years researching how psychedelic-assisted therapy has helped veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

His last legislative session in the House ended this May, and he pushed legislation for the last time allow clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Missouri. In the final days of the session, the bill stalled in the Missouri Senate after passing the House with overwhelming support.

“I’m not going to be there next year, I’m term-limited,” said Griffith, a Republican who served as chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Committee. “It’s really about passing the torch to a lot of other veterans who are on the Veterans Commission and see the value in that.”

He was hopeful when he saw an announcement The US Department of Veterans Affairs announced last week a new clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy.or MDMA-assisted therapy. MDMA is a synthetic substance made in a laboratory, according to the department, and is also called “ecstasy” or “molly” in recreational use.

“Congratulations to President Trump for stepping up and taking the lead on this,” said Griffith of Jefferson City. “PTSD is a killer among veterans. If you just listen to the testimony that’s been happening over the last five years in the Missouri House, the life-changing it’s been for them is a compelling reason why something like this works.”

A new trial follows Trump signed an executive order in April, “Expediting Medical Treatment for Serious Mental Illness.” The order aims to increase participation in clinical trials and accelerate innovative research models and drug approvals for psychedelics.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate at least $50 million to support and collaborate with state governments that “have established or are developing programs to advance psychedelic drugs for serious mental illness.”

Without passing the legislation, Missouri will miss this opportunity, said Republican state representative Matthew Overcast of Ava.

Cloud hoped that Trump’s April order would help “grease the wheels” this year by state Rep. Richard West and state Rep. Richard West who sponsored the state to conduct a study on psilocybin and ibogaine therapy.

“The last couple of months there’s been a lot of feds on things that the states are reluctant to move forward with here,” Overcast said. “So it’s exciting.”

According to the VA’s announcement, the department is involved in 19 other active clinical trials focused on psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions that have received more than $23 million in outside funding.

The new trial, called “A Randomized Controlled Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder in US Veterans,” will enroll about 80 veterans and compare outcomes between those receiving MDMA-assisted therapy and those receiving the same psychotherapy with an active placebo. VA is coordinating with the US Food and Drug Administration and plans to share trial data with FDA.

The trial will be conducted at the VA Providence Healthcare System, and will recruit veterans from the Providence, Rhode Island, campus in West Haven, Connecticut, and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System.

Trump’s executive order says there have been more than 6,000 veteran suicides per year for more than 20 years, and the current veteran suicide rate is twice that of the adult non-veteran population.

He says people with major depressive disorder and substance abuse disorder, among other serious mental illnesses, may relapse or fail to respond fully to standard medical and psychiatric therapies.

“Despite significant federal investment in research into potential advances in mental health care and treatment, our medical research system has yet to produce approved therapies that promote lasting improvements in the mental health status of the most complex patients,” the order states. “Innovative methods are needed to find long-term solutions for these Americans beyond existing prescription drugs.”

Missouri veterans John and Kara Grady, who own a hemp shop in Rosebud, strongly agree with the statement, they said. And they’d like to see Missouri’s veterans health system participate in clinical trials already underway.

“President Trump is opening up investigations for the veteran community,” said John Grady, “If you look at the numbers … we’ve lost more in the wars with mental health than we’ve lost.”

The lack of movement on psychedelic-assisted therapy legislation is among the reasons why John Grady is running for state representative over Bruce Sassmann in the state’s Republican primary.

“If you don’t agree with Trump on everything, at least he’s addressing this veteran issue right here,” Grady said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to stop that number, we’ll stop that flow of our precious veterans dying by their own hands because they don’t have treatment.”

This story was first published by the Missouri Independent.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Continue Reading

Cannabis News

Germany’s medical cannabis imports post first quarterly decline since early 2024

Published

1 day ago

on

June 7, 2026

By

German imports of medical cannabis flowers fell to 50.5 tonnes in the first quarter of 2026, down from 60.8 tonnes in the previous quarter, the decline from the first quarter of 2024. According to a new EU and UK market update from Whitney Economics.

The drop lands against a year that went backwards. Germany took in more than 2025 tonnes of the product in 2025, more than double the 72,850 kilograms recorded in 2024, and import volumes have risen every year since 2018, when the figure remained below 4,500 kilograms. The first quarter number continues to match the high pace of 2025, which is why the report treats it as an early sign of stabilization rather than a turnaround.

Prices
The volume has not created a stable price. A gram of cannabis in a German pharmacy is approaching 4 euros, while a gram on the illegal market is around 8 euros, reversing the usual relationship between regulated and unregulated supply. The wholesale price is around 2 euros per gram, roughly half the retail price at the pharmacy. Pharmacy prices breached 3.99 euros in November 2025, and the report puts the overall compression close to 25% in two and a half years.

Germany legalized ownership in 2024 and restricted sales to pharmaceutical and telemedicine providers. Two access roads run parallel. Medical cannabis is mainly prescribed through private prescriptions, and recreational cannabis is available through membership of a cannabis association, with 400 licensed cultivation associations across the country, although the exact count varies by source. It is the medical segment that drives market growth, not the recreational segment.

Growth is based on telemedicine
 Patients fill out an online questionnaire, receive a prescription from an affiliated physician, and in many cases have their order filled through an integrated pharmacy partner, with delivery within days and, in some cities, within hours. Between 600,000 and 700,000 self-employed consumers are supported by the telemedicine industry, compared to 200,000 to 300,000 medical patients supported by pharmacies. Total imports are now sufficient to supply between 900,000 and one million consumers.

© Philiprowe | Dreamstime

Market exposure
Critics argue that commercial interests risk overshadowing the medical nature of the system, and treatment does not always meet the required standard of control. Legislative initiatives that would tighten the framework are already on the table, including mandatory in-person inquiries and a ban on distribution of mail requests. The likely result of both measures is a significant decline in demand for medical cannabis flowers. Many telemedicine companies are preparing for the opportunity by building networks with local doctors and pharmacies.

Where patients and consumers would go if medical access is curtailed is an open question, as the recreational market lacks a real alternative for patients and cannabis clubs continue to face licensing hurdles at the state level.

Part of the difficulty in reading the market is that import figures say less than they seem. More cannabis is entering the country than ever before, but how much is reaching consumers and what the actual demand is is unclear. Without a nationwide data framework, the market functions as a black box, and excess supply and actual demand are difficult to measure with great precision. Supply has tended to expand faster than the market can absorb, with no forecast to confirm mature demand, and prices have adjusted downward as a result.

Germany has had a signal effect across Europe since the start of its reform, although its model has drawn criticism, with the mixing of medical and recreational consumption a recurring complaint. Countries that have traditionally taken a conservative line, France among them, have gone to a more formalized medical field, under stricter conditions and without adopting the medical flower like Germany.

For more information:
Whitney Economics
Beau Whitney
(503) 724-3084
www.whitneyeconomics.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright © 2021 The Art of MaryJane Media