Nebraska Caps Medical Cannabis Plants

OG Article By Zach Wendling

September 09 2025

Governor’s Request

Governor Jim Pillen requested a cap on medical cannabis plants.

He refused to sign emergency regulations without a limit, citing risks of an unregulated black-market supply.

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission set a cap of 1,250 flowering plants per cultivator.

Commission’s Response

The commission will license four cultivators.

Applications are due by Sept. 23, with licensing starting Oct. 1.

The 1,250-plant limit applies to all facilities—indoor, outdoor, or greenhouse—allowing up to 5,000 active plants with two annual harvests.

Initial Limits

Bo Botelho, advising from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, proposed:

Indoor: 200 plants

Outdoor: 500 plants

Greenhouse: 300 plants

Combined: 200 plants

Commissioner Bruce Bailey pushed for higher limits to ensure supply, citing potential crop failures and testing requirements.

He aimed to serve 1% of Nebraska’s population, about 20,000 patients.

Patient Demand

Four neighboring states have medical cannabis programs:

Iowa (0.55% usage),

Colorado (1.05%),

South Dakota (1.26%),

and Missouri (1.95%).

Nebraska expects similar demand.

Commissioner Lorelle Mueting noted 2,000 indoor plants could supply 2,300 patients annually.

The commission plans to review limits later.

Public Concerns

Crista Eggers, from Nebraskans for Medical Cannabis, warned the cap could limit access.

Lia Post, a patient with complex regional pain syndrome, urged the commission to prioritize patients, preferring cannabis over opioids.

Next Steps

The commission meets next on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m.