The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska has officially become the first government in the state to legalize and regulate both medical and adult-use cannabis. The landmark decision followed a unanimous vote by the Tribal Council, signaling a bold step forward in state-level cannabis reform.
While Nebraska voters approved a medical cannabis initiative last November, lawmakers have failed to enact legislation implementing the program. In contrast, the Omaha Tribe is taking direct action. “The Omaha Tribe is not waiting on broken systems to deliver,” said Tribal Attorney General John Cartier in a press release. “We are asserting our sovereign right to govern, protect our community, and build a sustainable economy that reflects our values.”
The newly adopted law establishes a Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which will oversee all facets of the tribal cannabis industry—including licensing, product testing, and compliance enforcement. The adult-use program will be available to individuals aged 21 and older, including non-tribal visitors on reservation land.
Significantly, the law includes a social equity framework, providing for the expungement of prior tribal cannabis offenses and emphasizing restorative justice.
The legalization policy takes effect immediately, and the tribe plans to roll out the programs in 2025, beginning with licensing, public education, and compliance infrastructure.
As the Nebraska state legislature stalls on implementing the voter-approved medical cannabis law, the Omaha Tribe’s move is being hailed as a pioneering act of self-governance and reform.
