Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers recently announced his fight against illegal or unlawful synthetic THC would be expanding.
Last Friday, the AG said cease and desist letters relating to 104 retail locations in the state’s capital Omaha had been sent out. The letters followed purchases by investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska Attorney General’s Office of products from stores owned by dozens of companies. In each case, at least one “hemp” product was found to have delta-9 concentration over the legal limit, making it marijuana.
Each of the stores has been requested to cease all sales of THC-containing products to Nebraska consumers and to return a signed document assuring they’ll do so . If they continue, litigation will follow. The AG’s office noted many infringing stores have tobacco licenses, and those are also at risk.
“We promised that we would escalate our fight, and today are fulfilling that promise,” said Attorney General Hilgers. “These stores are selling harmful and unlawful products despite being on notice. Because of that, once litigation ensues, we will seek penalties to the fullest extent of the law, and will refer for criminal prosecution when necessary.”
In other cannabis news out of Nebraska, a legislative committee determining how to assist with implementation of Nebraska’s medical cannabis laws is awaiting an amendment before a vote on whether to advance the bill is taken.
According to Marijuana Moment, Sen. Ben Hansen’s Legislative Bill 677 would create a regulatory structure for licensing and guidance on how patients or caregivers could become registered. Senator Hansen’s key change involves tracking medical cannabis through Nebraska’s prescription drug monitoring program.
The Committee is facing some headwinds though as Attorney General Hilgers has reportedly urged the Legislature to take no action on the laws.
Possession of cannabis for medical purposes was made legal in Nebraska last year after multiple failed attempts in previous years. In November, legalizing medical cannabis was put in front of the state’s voters and both related initiatives passed (~70.74% voted yes).
While there were allegations raised concerning the signature gathering process, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed proclamations that ballot measures 437 (legalizing medical cannabis possession) and 438 (repealing penalties and establishing a commission to set up regulations) were law in December 2024.
