Our Background
The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission was created in 2024 through two voter-approved measures. Initiative Measure 437, which legalized the use of up to five ounces of marijuana for medical purposes by qualified patients, and Initiative Measure 438, which established the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate the program. Both measures received significant approval, with Initiative 437 securing 71% approval.
The Commission carries out its responsibilities under the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, which establishes the framework for implementing and regulating the state’s medical cannabis program.
Our Current Emergency Regulations: 238 NAC Emergency Regulations
Commissioner Background
The Commission is composed of all members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, along with two additional members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by a majority of the Legislature. The two appointed members serve exclusively on the Medical Cannabis Commission. Commissioners serve six-year terms and may be reappointed.
Current Commissioners
Interim Chair: Lorelle Mueting
Term Expires: 5/24/2031
Lorelle Mueting is the Prevention Program Director at Heartland Family Service, where she has led prevention initiatives and community engagement efforts for over 11 years. She holds a Master of Science from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Hastings College. Mueting serves exclusively on the Medical Cannabis Commission.
Commissioner: Judge J. Michael Coffey
Term Expires: 5/24/2031
Judge J. Michael Coffey of Omaha is a retired District Judge of the 4th Judicial District, where he served from 1998 until his retirement in June 2023. Prior to his appointment with the court, Coffey was a private practice attorney in Omaha. He received his B.A. from Regis College in 1969 and his juris doctor from Creighton University School of Law in 1974. He is a Vietnam War veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971.
Commissioner: Robert "Bud" Synhorst
Term Expires: 5/24/2029
Bud Synhorst is the owner of RobNik Strategies, a government affairs consulting firm. He is a former president and CEO of the Lincoln Independent Business Association and served on the State Board of Health and the Judicial Nominating Commission from 2020 -2024 at the appointment of former Gov. Pete Ricketts. Synhorst previously served as executive director of the Nebraska Republican Party and of the Alpaca Owners Association, which supports Alpaca breeders, fiber producers and exhibitors.
Commissioner: Jim Elworth
Term Expires: 5/24/2027
Jim Elworth retired in 2020 after 21 years with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, where he investigated, interpreted and enforced rule violations. He served as a state assistant attorney general in the Drug and Violent Crime Unit from 1991-1996 and was a deputy county attorney in Lancaster County from 1986-1990 and Dodge County from 1983-1986.