Nebraska Bill to Protect Doctors Recommending Medical Cannabis Advances

State lawmakers consider legislation to shield physicians from liability for recommending medical marijuana to patients.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A majority of Nebraska's Health and Human Services Committee appears open to a legislative proposal to explicitly protect physicians who recommend medical cannabis to patients. The bill, LB 933, would grant recommending medical practitioners immunity from civil, criminal or disciplinary action solely for stating that, in the provider's professional opinion, a patient is likely to receive therapeutic benefit or symptom relief from using cannabis for a medical condition.

Why it matters

The bill is seen as a way to encourage more Nebraska doctors to recommend medical cannabis to patients, as the state has struggled to get providers to do so since voters legalized medical marijuana in 2024. Advocates say the protections are necessary to give doctors confidence in recommending the drug without fear of repercussions.

The details

LB 933 is sponsored by State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha. At least four of the seven committee members have indicated support for the bill, which borrows language from a previous medical cannabis measure. The bill comes after Nebraska was left out of recent federal protections for states with medical marijuana programs. Patients have had to go out of state to get recommendations and access the drug, as many Nebraska providers have been unwilling to discuss it.

  • Nebraska voters legalized possession of up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis in November 2024, with the law taking effect on December 12, 2024.
  • The Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday morning to decide whether to advance LB 933 to the full Legislature.

The players

John Cavanaugh

State Senator from Omaha who introduced LB 933 to protect doctors recommending medical cannabis.

Crista Eggers

Co-founder of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, the group that led the 2024 ballot measures to legalize medical cannabis in the state.

Shannon Coryell

Omaha resident who suffered a traumatic brain injury and brain rupture, and has advocated for access to medical cannabis in Nebraska.

Lia Post

Springfield resident with complex regional pain syndrome who has also advocated for medical cannabis access in Nebraska.

Mike Hilgers

Nebraska Attorney General who previously opposed broader medical cannabis legislation, citing concerns about physician oversight.

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What they’re saying

“It's not a new or novel concept, and it's not uncharted territory.”

— Crista Eggers, Co-founder, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (Nebraska Examiner)

“While in theory I have my bases covered at the moment, it would be nice to be able to continue with a doctor I have an established relationship with and who continues following my care throughout my life.”

— Shannon Coryell (Nebraska Examiner)

“This has the ability to change our children's lives for the better.”

— Crista Eggers, Co-founder, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (Nebraska Examiner)

What’s next

The Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday morning to decide whether to advance LB 933 to the full Nebraska Legislature.

The takeaway

This bill aims to provide legal protections for Nebraska doctors who recommend medical cannabis to patients, addressing a key barrier that has prevented more widespread adoption of the state's medical marijuana program since it was approved by voters in 2024.