Chair of Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission resigning

The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission announced the resignation of its elected chair, Dr. Monica Oldenburg, at its Monday meeting.

Following the announcement, the commission moved to appoint Lorelle Mueting as its interim chair.

Both Oldenburg and Mueting were appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen last spring. Both board members had a history of opposition to the legalization of medical cannabis use.

Oldenburg, at the Legislature’s General Affairs Committee hearing last May, defended her position, stating that she was not in opposition and was up to date on medical cannabis research.

“I'm not a prohibitionist,” she said. “I’m pro research. There are new studies coming out every day. I'm acutely aware that medical research and emerging studies are the driving force behind the changes in the way we practice medicine.”

At the same legislative hearing, Mueting said she would regulate the new legalization while respecting the will of the voters.

“The people have spoken and medical marijuana – medical cannabis – is what, you know, people in Nebraska voted for, and so I don't view my role on this to try and squash it, because I don't have the power to do that,” she said.

Oldenburg’s resignation leaves the Medical Cannabis Commission with four members. The other members, besides Mueting, are Robert “Bud” Synhorst, James Elworth and J. Michael Coffey, all of whom serve on the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission and were appointed by Pillen.

Pillen's office issued a press release Tuesday thanking Oldenburg for her work on the commission, and saying those interested in serving as a member of the commission can apply online or by mail.

Members of the Medical Cannabis Commission serve six-year terms. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 3 at 5 p.m.

The governor may appoint the fifth and final member to the commission following the resignation of Oldenburg.

Also at the Monday meeting, the commission discussed potential cultivator choices that have submitted applications. Mueting said one application was denied, and another was found eligible.

Blue Embers LLC was denied licensure by the commission but has 10 days to challenge the denial, which would extend the reconsideration period until Feb. 17. Mueting said the commission cannot award a license to another applicant until the reconsideration period ends.

The cannabis commission then voted to offer Meadowlark Medicinal LLC licensure after the potential reconsideration period for Blue Embers.

The first two medical cannabis cultivator licenses were approved in October. The commission still needs to license two more cultivators in the state.

Several medical cannabis patients and advocates criticized the commission during public comment, expressing frustration over delays in licensing and proposed legislation that could further restrict access.

Since a decision on cultivators has not been made, the commission moved to not discuss any applications for manufactures, transporters and dispensaries until its next meeting on March 16.