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The hemp industry in Nebraska is facing an uncertain future as the state considers rules that could ban most edible cannabinoid products, including the increasingly popular THC-infused beverages.The Nebraska Department of Agriculture proposed regulations follow an executive order from Gov. Jim Pillen that seeks to classify certain consumable hemp products as adulterated, similar to how regulators handle unsafe or contaminated food products.The proposed changes drew immense pushback from hemp retailers and manufacturers at a public hearing on Thursday.At Kure CBD and Vape, one of dozens of Nebraska storefronts selling hemp-derived products, customers can buy items including tinctures, edibles, pre-rolls and increasingly popular hemp beverages. “Instead of getting intoxicated by traditional alcoholic beverages, this relaxes you,” Christine Nannen, with KURE CBD and Vape, said.Pillen said the executive order is focused on protecting children and addressing concerns over access to intoxicating hemp products.“When you do executive orders, it helps stand up for the values of who we are as Nebraskans,” Pillen said in April. “And the highest priority is kids, and we’re going to protect our kids.”Industry leaders say the proposed regulations could have a major impact, especially on hemp-infused beverages, which have grown rapidly nationwide. The market has expanded into a billion-dollar industry in just a few years as consumers look for alternatives to alcohol.Glenn McElfresh, co-founder of Plift — a hemp beverage company — said the products have become part of a larger shift in consumer habits.“They’re using this to offset the decreasing alcohol sales that we’re really seeing across the country,” McElfresh said.Retailers say the products have become an important part of their businesses. At Omaha’s Bottles and Barrels, hemp beverages are sold only to adults and now account for about 10% of the store’s overall profits.“If we were to take a 10% gross profit, shave it, I mean, it’s scary to think about,” owner Jimmy Ellsworth said. “That’s just my wife and I. We don’t have, you know, big money investors or anything. This is just a dream that we had, and we jumped into it.”Hemp advocates raised concerns about the proposed rules during a public hearing this week, urging the Department of Agriculture to reconsider or delay the changes. Most testifiers said some regulation is necessary, especially as it pertains to protecting children. But they say the proposed regulations amount to an outright ban.They also pointed to a looming federal deadline that could impact the future of hemp products nationwide due to federal policy. “If nobody does anything, Nov. 12, 2026, all hemp products across the nation are banned,” she said.Nannen said the industry is lobbying to pause that ban for now.The Nebraska Department of Agriculture said it will review hundreds of written and spoken comments submitted during the public process before deciding whether to move forward with or adjust the proposed regulations.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
The hemp industry in Nebraska is facing an uncertain future as the state considers rules that could ban most edible cannabinoid products, including the increasingly popular THC-infused beverages.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture proposed regulations follow an executive order from Gov. Jim Pillen that seeks to classify certain consumable hemp products as adulterated, similar to how regulators handle unsafe or contaminated food products.
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The proposed changes drew immense pushback from hemp retailers and manufacturers at a public hearing on Thursday.
At Kure CBD and Vape, one of dozens of Nebraska storefronts selling hemp-derived products, customers can buy items including tinctures, edibles, pre-rolls and increasingly popular hemp beverages.
“Instead of getting intoxicated by traditional alcoholic beverages, this relaxes you,” Christine Nannen, with KURE CBD and Vape, said.
Pillen said the executive order is focused on protecting children and addressing concerns over access to intoxicating hemp products.
“When you do executive orders, it helps stand up for the values of who we are as Nebraskans,” Pillen said in April. “And the highest priority is kids, and we’re going to protect our kids.”
Industry leaders say the proposed regulations could have a major impact, especially on hemp-infused beverages, which have grown rapidly nationwide. The market has expanded into a billion-dollar industry in just a few years as consumers look for alternatives to alcohol.
Glenn McElfresh, co-founder of Plift — a hemp beverage company — said the products have become part of a larger shift in consumer habits.
“They’re using this to offset the decreasing alcohol sales that we’re really seeing across the country,” McElfresh said.
Retailers say the products have become an important part of their businesses. At Omaha’s Bottles and Barrels, hemp beverages are sold only to adults and now account for about 10% of the store’s overall profits.
“If we were to take a 10% gross profit, shave it, I mean, it’s scary to think about,” owner Jimmy Ellsworth said. “That’s just my wife and I. We don’t have, you know, big money investors or anything. This is just a dream that we had, and we jumped into it.”
Hemp advocates raised concerns about the proposed rules during a public hearing this week, urging the Department of Agriculture to reconsider or delay the changes. Most testifiers said some regulation is necessary, especially as it pertains to protecting children. But they say the proposed regulations amount to an outright ban.
They also pointed to a looming federal deadline that could impact the future of hemp products nationwide due to federal policy.
“If nobody does anything, Nov. 12, 2026, all hemp products across the nation are banned,” she said.
Nannen said the industry is lobbying to pause that ban for now.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture said it will review hundreds of written and spoken comments submitted during the public process before deciding whether to move forward with or adjust the proposed regulations.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
