Nebraska Lawmakers Approve Another Medical Marijuana Commission Appointee From Governor

The Medical Cannabis Commission is charged with crafting rules and regulations so licensing of dispensaries can begin.

By Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner

A legislative committee on Tuesday reconsidered and favorably advanced a second Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission appointee who had tied in a 4-4 vote last week.

In a quick meeting Tuesday, State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney flipped his opposition to Lorelle Mueting of Gretna, the prevention director at Heartland Family Service in Omaha. Clouse said he supported advancing Mueting’s nomination so the full Legislature could consider her appointment instead of keeping the nomination in the General Affairs Committee.

Had the committee not advanced Mueting by the end of the legislative session, scheduled to end June 9, she would have been added to the commission without a vote of the full Legislature.

The voter-approved Medical Cannabis Commission is charged with crafting rules and regulations by July 1 so licensing of medical cannabis dispensaries can begin by October 1.

Clouse said his original reservations came because Mueting didn’t have a “great” confirmation hearing Thursday. After she spoke, long-time medical cannabis supporters voiced concerns over Mueting.

That was contrasted with Dr. Monica Oldenburg of Lincoln, an anesthesiologist, whom Clouse supported in part because he wants someone with a medical background on the regulatory commission.

Both nominees eventually advanced 5-3, in a party-line vote between Republicans and Democrats.

Oldenburg stayed for the three-hour hearing. Mueting left after three invited witnesses spoke in favor of her appointment.

The appointees would need at least 25 votes in the Legislature to be confirmed. They would join the three members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to comprise the new regulatory commission for medical cannabis.

Clouse said he wants to keep an open mind before deciding how he’ll vote on the appointments.

This story was first published by Nebraska Examiner.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.