Hemp growers ask Sarpy County to clarify role in medical cannabis licensing process

At the Aug. 12 Sarpy County commissioners meeting, hemp industry representatives asked the board to clarify whether the county will adopt local regulations or allow the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee licensing and compliance for medical cannabis businesses.

Colin Fury, who said he works with hemp businesses, told commissioners that the state’s implementation has two requirements relevant to Sarpy County applicants: a local public-health compliance letter (from the county health department) and a letter from the local governing body — a town, city or county — confirming compliance with local rules. Fury said the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission’s regulations went into effect on July 1 after being signed by Governor Jim Pillen.

Taylor Radish, who identified herself as a hemp farmer and former paramedic, told the board she plans to seek a cultivation license and asked the county to outline a timeline for whether it will adopt local regulations or defer to the state commission. “This is my passion. I can absolutely help a lot of people, and this is what I’m here to do,” Radish said.

County staff and the board took the comments as informational; commissioners indicated they must consult legal counsel and county public-health staff before taking regulatory action. County staff explained that municipalities and the county may choose to adopt local regulations but are not required to do so; if a grower is outside a municipal boundary, the county is the local government body that can provide the required letter.

No formal action or directive was taken at the Aug. 12 meeting; speakers asked the board to provide a timeline for a future determination.