# Nebraska greenlights first legal marijuana cultivation  
**Published:** 2026-06-22T22:31:58.000Z  
**Source:** [Nebraska Examiner](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/06/22/commission-greenlights-marijuana-being-legally-planted-in-nebraska/)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://lincolne.news/article/nebraska-greenlights-first-legal-marijuana-cultivation

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission unanimously approved the first state-licensed marijuana cultivator to begin growing plants Monday, marking a major milestone for the medical cannabis program [established by voters last fall](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/06/22/commission-greenlights-marijuana-being-legally-planted-in-nebraska/).

The commission ratified the successful inspection of MahāMotā Cultivation Company in Raymond, clearing the way for the first legal marijuana plants in Nebraska to be planted. The four-member commission also voted unanimously to begin accepting applications for product manufacturers starting Wednesday, opening a four-week application window for companies seeking to process cannabis into consumable products.

"The Legislature appropriating funds for the commission's work influenced his decision to move ahead," Commissioner Jim Elworth of Nebraska City said regarding the decision to open manufacturer applications. The commission can license up to four product manufacturers along with up to 12 transporters and 12 dispensaries under its regulations.

The developments come nearly eight months after [Nebraska voters approved two ballot measures in November 2024](https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_Initiative_437,_Medical_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2024)) that legalized medical marijuana and created the commission to regulate the industry. Nearly 71 percent of voters backed the Patient Protection Act, which allows qualified patients to possess up to five ounces of medical cannabis with a healthcare provider's recommendation.

However, the program's expansion faces complications. KRL Med LLC, another licensed cultivator, has been stalled by a Washington County zoning dispute. The county planning administrator reversed course to block the company from using an agricultural exemption for marijuana cultivation, saying marijuana does not qualify as agriculture under county rules, though hemp would.

Former State Senator Kent Rogert, sole owner of KRL Med, told commissioners that "every day that goes by, we're losing time and availability." The company is appealing the stop-work order that prevents it from finishing a greenhouse. Rogert said he is pursuing a local appeal before considering litigation and remains "cautiously optimistic" the matter will be resolved.

Commissioner Lorelle Mueting, the interim chair, offered to help however needed and commissioners voted 4-0 to renew KRL Med's license for six more months. A fourth licensed cultivator, Midwest Cultivator Group, was approved to relocate from Omaha to Gretna after securing local zoning approval.

The commission's next regularly scheduled meeting is July 20. Temporary regulations under which the commission operates are set to expire July 15, though they can be extended for 90 days. Pending permanent regulations await approval from Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Governor Jim Pillen, both of whom have publicly opposed the medical cannabis program.

## Sources

- [Nebraska Examiner](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/06/22/commission-greenlights-marijuana-being-legally-planted-in-nebraska/)
- [Ballotpedia overview of Nebraska Initiative 437 (Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act)](https://ballotpedia.org/Nebraska_Initiative_437,_Medical_Marijuana_Legalization_Initiative_(2024))
- [Nebraska cannabis commission information](https://mcc.nebraska.gov/)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Nebraska Examiner, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/06/22/commission-greenlights-marijuana-being-legally-planted-in-nebraska/.