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Nebraska Tribe Says State Officials Are Punishing It For Legalizing Marijuana By Suspending Talks On Separate Tobacco Tax Deal

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10 months ago

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“People need to understand that this issue is still going to be fought hard to the end, even though I think the voters of Nebraska have spoken.”

Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner

The The Omaha tribe in Nebraska is moving forward with legalizing marijuanathe tribe’s attorney general says Nebraska officials used them to disrupt negotiations over an unrelated state-tribal tobacco tax deal.

The tribe called the move “just retaliation.”

Omaha Tribe Attorney General John Cartier said an assistant state attorney general called him Monday, an hour before the tribe’s first cannabis commission meeting. Cartier learned that state officials would no longer negotiate a tobacco tax deal because of the tribe’s more permissive stance on marijuana.

The Omaha Tribal Council voted unanimously in July legalize medical cannabis and recreational marijuana for adults. The initial focus of the tribe’s cannabis commission is “strictly” medical cannabis.

“It gave me pause for about 30 seconds there because I didn’t really anticipate that level of obstruction,” Cartier told the Nebraska Examiner on Thursday. “At least I appreciated the honesty and the honesty of it.”

If a tobacco tax deal gets the green light, states and tribes could split revenue from tobacco sales on the reservation. It could be a new potential hundreds of thousands of dollars for the tribe.

The Omaha Tribe’s reservation is located in northeastern Nebraska, more than 300 square miles, primarily in Thurston County and parts of neighboring Burt and Cuming Counties.

‘Direct retaliation’

In a follow-up interview with Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) this week, Cartier said Hilgers indicated his office would confirm the state’s official position and how Gov. Jim Pillen (R) wanted to proceed.

Pillen asked Hilgers this summer to negotiate the contract on behalf of the State of Nebraska. The AG’s Office declined to comment on the intense negotiations. Pill’s office did not respond to questions about the dispute this week.

Cartier said he doesn’t foresee any change because “none of them fundamentally believe in the cannabis industry.” He said the AG’s Office also plans to spend additional tax dollars on more policing of the Omaha Tribe’s border because of the new tribal law.

“If that’s their official position, in our opinion, that’s direct retaliation, to potentially shirk their responsibilities legally and use this as leverage,” Cartier said.

Cartier added, “People need to understand that this issue is still being fought to the hilt, although I think the voters of Nebraska have spoken, and they should honor that.”

“two plus two is four”

In November 2024, voters overwhelmingly voted to allow someone to possess 5 ounces of medical cannabis with a doctor’s prescription. Voters also created a new state commission to regulate the new drug. The state board’s rules would eventually allow the purchase of medical cannabis in the state, a milestone not expected until at least mid-2026.

Hilgers has argued that cannabis should remain illegal because federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug; The federal government says the drug has a high potential for abuse and has not approved it for medical use. A bipartisan group of advocates has called for drug rescheduling for decades.

Congress has repeatedly prohibited the US Department of Justice from interfering with state medical cannabis programs. Advocates, including from Nebraska, have pointed to the Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution to protect states’ rights to legalize marijuana.

“I think two plus two is four, even though everyone else says two plus two is five,” Hilgers said in May.

Pillen says he has always supported medical marijuana, but wants it strictly regulated to prevent a slide into legalizing recreational use. In September 2023, as advocates prepared for a third and ultimately successful petition campaign, Pillen said access to medical cannabis should only come with the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration. That hasn’t happened yet.

Nebraska followed dozens of other states in passing medical cannabis laws in 2024, a nationwide push Hilgers acknowledges is part of voter frustrations. He called the failure to enforce the laws created by the federal government “a colossal failure.”

“I’m a big guy. It doesn’t bother me,” Hilgers, a former state lawmaker, said of opponents of his policy stance. “I’ve been through wars. What people mean, they mean.”

Hilgers’ office has not publicly commented on the tribe’s position on marijuana.

Negotiations began in July

Cartier said the Omaha tribe contacted Pillen in July to begin discussing the tobacco tax deal. The Santee Sioux Nation has that agreement, which allows the Santee Sioux to retain 75 percent of tobacco tax revenue. The Omaha tribe says it wants to keep 90 percent of the tobacco tax revenue from the state’s additional regulatory obligations, subject to negotiations.

State and tribal officials met in August on a tobacco tax contract, a meeting Cartier said was “very productive” and left “hopeful for real progress.” The state promised to offer suggestions or a counter proposal within weeks.

“After months and months of promises and negotiations that they have to take away from us at the last minute, it really makes no sense to me,” Cartier said.

Cartier said it’s easy to get emotional or moved by such a response, which he described as a continuation of the government’s punishment of Native Americans “for just existing.” He said the Omaha Tribe is working to support its members and has adopted a policy that could provide millions in economic development and job opportunities without relying on the federal government.

A contrasting tribal committee

Cheyenne Robinson, secretary of the Omaha Tribal Council, said Monday she was excited about the “historic day” for the people of Omaha.

“We are moving forward to commit to our sovereignty, responsible regulation and economic diversification,” Robinson said. “Looking forward to what’s to come.”

Jason Sheridan, chairman of the Omaha Tribe Council, said Monday that every member of the council knew someone who could benefit from medical marijuana. He said he was glad the tribe was moving forward.

“I just trust all of you,” Sheridan told the committee.

The Omaha Tribe on Monday swore in four members to its cannabis commission: Jayzon Hundley, Amanda Hallowell, Arthur Isagholian and Allison Stockman. Cartier is also on the board as a non-voting member. The tribe can add one more member.

Hundley, the tribe’s grant accountant, and Hallowell, a registered nurse, are members of the Omaha Tribe. Isagholian, who has experience in agriculture, and Stockman, who has experience in public safety and public health, bring about 40 years of experience in the cannabis sector in other states.

The initial meeting included a discussion of future board rules and regulations, with a focus on testing marijuana products for safety and how to navigate a potentially hostile situation beyond its borders. One solution may be to try out the reserve products.

“Even if we think we have a legal right … they’re probably more than willing to fight it in court,” Cartier told commissioners Monday, referring to the Nebraska AG’s Office.

Cartier said the tribe will defend its sovereignty and laws if necessary. The committee will meet next November 19, and then it can approve its rules.

‘Driver’s Seat’

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission’s state regulations regarding final approval have been criticized by many as overly burdensome. The restrictions include allowing 12 dispensaries statewide.

Nebraskans must receive a medical cannabis-specific recommendation from a physician registered with the state’s medical cannabis program to enter a licensed state dispensary. Dispensaries could not sell combustible products, vapes, edibles or raw flowers. Couldn’t buy more than 5 grams of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) every 90 days the part associated with most cannabis.

The state board could finalize its regulations and seek final approval of Hilgers and Pill as soon as Monday.

Cartier said the tribe hopes to provide “significant opposition” to state regulations and promote access to medical cannabis, an issue he said would have “nothing to do” with tobacco taxes.

“We decided now is a good point to take this to the public, without waiting for a response from the attorney general and the governor Hilgers, because from our point of view we are not in this,” Cartier said. “We are in the driver’s seat, and we want to maintain that attitude.”

This story was first published by the Nebraska Examiner.

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Fluent to sell New York license and operations

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1 month ago

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July 30, 2026

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Fluent has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Etain, LLC, the Company’s New York-based operating entity. The purchase agreement was signed on July 22, 2026. The transaction provides for the sale of Etain’s Registered Entity license, certain of the Company’s New York operating assets and related New York leases for cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.

The Company believes the Transaction advances its strategic objectives and expects the Transaction to comply with applicable regulatory requirements in connection with the Company’s previously announced plan of arrangement for Vireo Growth Inc. (the “Deal”) while providing for an orderly transition of the New York operations to an experienced operator committed to serving patients and consumers.

Completion of the free transaction is subject to closing conditions, including, among other customary conditions, approval of the change in ownership by the New York State Cannabis Control Board and the completion of all conditions to the completion of the Agreement.

For more information:
FLUENT Corp
getfluent.com/










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Marijuana Has ‘Horrific Health Risks’ And No Medical Value, Former Trump Attorney General Claims

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1 month ago

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July 30, 2026

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A former US attorney general who served in President Donald Trump’s first term says marijuana poses “tremendous health risks,” has no medical value and should not be rescheduled under federal law.

“Marijuana redistricting would create a false impression that it is safe, reduce penalties for illegally selling the drug, and provide a large tax windfall to those who legally supply it,” William Barr wrote in a Wednesday op-ed for The Washington Post, Kevin Sabet, CEO of the prohibitionist organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana. “That would be a disaster.”

The opinion comes as the Trump administration moves forward with cannabis reregulation.

According to an order issued in April by US Attorney General Todd Blanche, Marijuana products regulated by a state medical cannabis license were immediately changed from Schedule I As did marijuana products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

an administrator The hearing is looking at the broader rescheduling of marijuanawith The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been tasked with advocating for cannabis reform highlighting the testimony about the medical benefits of marijuana and its relative safety compared to other substances such as alcohol and opioids. It included appearances by a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientist and a doctor from New Hampshire. Medical marijuana provides relief to pain patients and can serve as an alternative to opioids.

But Sabet and Barr, who served as Trump’s attorney general from 2019-2020, argued that “the evidence presented at the hearing did not support the rescheduling of marijuana” and instead “confirmed what decades of data have shown: raw marijuana has no scientifically established medical value and is highly susceptible to abuse.”

After the parties to the hearing have filed termination rights, the DEA administrative law judge overseeing the proceedings will make a recommendation regarding rescheduling, and the agency administrator will make a final decision.

DEA Administrator Terrance Cole only organizations and individuals opposed to marijuana reform have been invited to the hearing as a designated participant – telling supporters that they do not meet the definition of “interested person” to participate because they have not been “affected or prejudiced by any rule or proposed rule that may be issued.”

—
It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
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The former attorney general’s new opinion says “the stakes couldn’t be higher”, arguing that “marijuana today is more dangerous than ever” and that it is “addictive”, throwing out a list of alleged harm to mental and physical health.

“These unhealthy effects are a predictable result of a powerful and addictive drug being normalized, commercialized and marketed as a medicine,” Barr and Sabet say. “It would be one thing if marijuana had medical value. But there is no credible evidence that marijuana is an effective treatment for any medical condition, despite the millions of dollars spent trying to prove otherwise.”

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a 252 analysis in 2023 that concluded that marijuana had accepted medical value and should be rescheduled.

The new opposition piece also says that “rescheduling would unlock enormous revenue for the corporate marijuana industry by bringing it into a category that has not been covered by a longstanding reduction in federal drug tax deductions,” referring to a law known as 280E, which repeals Sections I and II.

“This, in turn, would allow the industry to spend even more on advertising and marketing to young people,” Barr and Sabet. he wroteArguing that “those who would lose this dragon in society are laying the foundations for another Big Tobacco”.

The Sabet organization, SAM, is one of several parties Challenging the Marijuana Redistricting Process which have been upheld by a federal Court of Appeals. those separate parts State attorneys general have filed lawsuits against cannabis reform, Opponents of marijuana legalization and a a cannabis-based biopharmaceutical corporation.

SAM’s lawsuit was signed by attorneys at Torridon Law PLLC, where Barr is a partner.

The team announced in January that it was Hiring Barr’s firm to fight cannabis rescheduling After Trump signed an executive order directing officials to quickly complete the process.

During the first Trump administration, Barr was accused by a Justice Department official Directing improper anti-company investigations into multiple cannabis company mergers– Accounting for almost a third of the division’s cases in 2019.

Several Democratic members of Congress introduced a resolution calling for an investigation into Barr’s possible impeachment, saying “abused the power of his office” to improperly investigate marijuana businesses while engaging in other allegedly illegal conduct.

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How much red light does cannabis really need?

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1 month ago

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July 26, 2026

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When growers pull out two LED fixtures side by side, the first number they usually discuss is percent red. This is an easy specification to fix. They are efficient at producing red photons and incredibly efficient at photosynthesis, and cannabis eats away at the flower. So more red must be better, right?

Not so simple. Red is an input to a spectrum, and the spectrum is an input to a room. There is no single spectrum that wins everywhere. An indoor room pushes hard, a greenhouse that soaks up sunlight, a temperamental cultivar, and aggressive yields call for something different. Knowing what each light strip actually does allows you to choose a tool that fits your grow instead of one that just has a big number on the sales page.

© JumpLights

Blue: structure
Blue (approximately 400-500 nm) gives shape to the plant. It maintains dense growth, strong stems, tight internodes and allows it to develop as desired. It also encourages stomatal opening, so the plant manages water and gas exchange better. Get blue and you’ve built a plant that can carry heavy flowers with no problem.

Green: access
Green was eliminated as the wavelength is “reflected” by plants. It turns out that it does a real job. Blue and red are absorbed above; the green goes deep into the fat and reaches the leaves that are never touched by the above photons. In a compact room, it’s the difference between plants photosynthesising from the top down and those that work only from the top. Green won’t replace your red or blue, but it does carry usable light where they can’t reach.

Red: engine
Red is the horse of the flower. It absorbs as efficiently as anything in the spectrum, and is responsible for most of the biomass you’re after. Redder generally means faster flower development, more weight and better efficiency per watt.

But red has a ceiling, and it’s tied to what you run. Push PPFD upwards with a heavy red spectrum and some cultivars begin to whiten at the top: the flower should be dense with pale, washed tips. Genetics, intensity, barrel temperature and your general environment all feed into it. If you’re using aggressive light levels, a lower red spectrum will buy you room before that becomes a problem, leaving you almost no photosynthetic punch to get it.

Far Red: More than Emerson
Far-red (700-750 nm) appears in more devices every year. It contributes little to photosynthesis on its own, but it moves plant morphology and works with red through the Emerson Enhancement Effect. Used properly, it helps to deepen the light, encourage uniformity of the canopy and encourage the response of the bloom. The key word is small. A touch of far red rounds out a spectrum; he’s not there to make a show.

Matching the red percentage with the room
Cannabis addresses the entire spectrum, not a line on a spec sheet. Reds cause flowers, but blues, greens and crimsons give the plant something it needs. Where you land in red refers to how you grow.

A lower red spectrum (30-40%) captures more blue and green, gives you better morphology, reduces the risk of photobleaching, and holds up when you’re running extreme PPFD. Moderate spectrum (40-55%) is the sweet spot in commercial greenhouses: strong photosynthetic efficiency, strong flowering, balanced growth. A high-red spectrum (70%+) makes the most sense in a greenhouse, where the sun is already giving you lots of blue and green and your supplemental light can cast effective red to fill the gap.

Where does the ETS MAX series fit in?
This is the thinking behind the JumpLights ETS MAX series. Instead of forcing a spectrum into each room, it rarely comes up because a greenhouse and a high PPFD indoor flower room are not the same problem.

  • ETS MAX 4C41% red: for indoor rooms operating at very high intensity, where photobleaching is a real risk. The wider, red bottom balance allows you to push the tops without overcooking them
  • ETS MAX 4A48% red: balanced internal spectrum that maintains high output while controlling bleaching.
  • ETS MAX 5B57% Red: A high-performance indoor option. Moderate red, marked with efficiency and flower at the same time, up to 3,450 μmol/s, with efficiency that holds the spectrum.
  • ETS MAX 7A76% red: built for the greenhouse. The sun already supplies blue and green, so this leans heavily on the complementary red, up to 3,900 μmol/s in the infrastructure most greenhouses already have in place.

Bottom line
Choosing an activity is not a competition for the highest red number. The winning spectrum is the one that matches your environment, your intensity, your genetics, and what you’re trying to produce. Combine spectrum, intensity, environmental control, light distribution and genetics, and you’ve got a lighting strategy. Keep a spec isolated and all you’ve got is a bright room.

The ETS MAX line was created around this idea: choose the spectrum of the room you actually have, indoor or greenhouse, and let the device work with your grow rather than against it.

For more information:
JumpLights
www.jumplights.com

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