Is Marijuana Legal In Nebraska?

The million dollar question sits on the minds of nearly every Nebraskan. While the question is a simple, the answer is multi-layered and complex.

When most people talk about "Marijuana" or typical weed found on the street, they are actually talking about Cannabis -- the scientific term and correct name for the plant.

One of the primary compounds in cannabis that gives users a high is called "THC", more specifically "Delta-9 THC" or "D-9".

State and Federal laws clearly prohibit the consumption, manufacturing, and sale of Delta-9 THC.

However, at the time these laws were written, scientists and politicians did not understand that D-9 THC is only one of many compounds that give users a "High".

Similar to Delta-9 THC are: THC-A, THC-P, HHC, Delta-8 THC & many more. These compounds are very similar in both molecular structure as well as to the human eye.

In 2018 the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (more commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill) was signed into law by Donald Trump.

This bill allowed for the legalization of "Hemp" or cannabis that is grown with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Hemp and cannabis are the same plant, but the term hemp is used to distinguish cannabis with lower amounts of Delta-9 THC

The goal was to allow manufacturer's and retailers to use hemp for paper, textiles, lotions, and many other common household products -- but not allow it for users to consume or get high from.

However, THC-A converts to Delta-9 THC under heat from a lighter or blow torch giving you the familiar high associated with regular weed found on the street.

THC-P has been found to bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain 30 times better than standard THC and has even left users feeling high the next morning after consuming it.

So, to circle back to the question of "is marijuana legal?"... the answer is No, you cannot buy traditional cannabis--yet.

However many products being sold in stores are derived from the cannabis plant, and do give users a high. So in a way, Yes, cannabis is legal in Nebraska.