Nebraska parents oppose governor's appointments to Medical Cannabis Commission

The Nebraska Legislature's General Affairs Committee convened on May 23, 2025, to discuss the appointments of Laurel Muting and Monica Oldenburg to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission. The meeting featured strong opposition from several testifiers, primarily concerned citizens advocating for medical cannabis access.

The first speaker, a mother of a child with severe medical needs, expressed her vehement opposition to the appointments, citing both nominees' past statements against medical cannabis. She argued that their lack of experience and knowledge in the field would hinder the commission's ability to serve patients effectively. She highlighted that both Muting and Oldenburg had previously made statements that undermined the potential benefits of medical cannabis, raising concerns about their intentions to protect patients rather than hypothetical abusers.

Following her testimony, Morgan Ryan, a Nebraskan living with chronic pain, echoed similar sentiments. He criticized the appointments as an insult to Nebraska voters, emphasizing that the commission should be led by individuals who support the will of the people, which he argued is in favor of a comprehensive medical cannabis program. Ryan pointed out that the nominees had not demonstrated any moderation on the issue and urged the committee to reject their appointments.

Tina Jones, representing the National Hemp Association, also opposed the nominees, stressing the need for qualified individuals on the commission. She expressed concern that the lack of understanding and experience among the nominees could deter Nebraska farmers and processing facilities from engaging in hemp production, which is vital for the state's agricultural future.

Throughout the meeting, committee members posed questions to the testifiers, seeking clarity on the implications of the nominees' potential appointments. The discussions highlighted a significant divide between proponents of medical cannabis and those who have historically opposed it, raising questions about the future direction of cannabis regulation in Nebraska.

As the meeting concluded, the committee faced the challenge of balancing the diverse opinions presented, with the next steps likely involving further deliberation on the nominees' suitability for the commission. The outcome of this discussion could have lasting implications for medical cannabis access in Nebraska, reflecting the ongoing debate over its role in healthcare.