Bill would redefine what CBD oil is under Nebraska law

State senator Justin Wayne's bill, LB 659, aims to decriminalize the sale and use of cannabidiol in Nebraska by redefining what it is under Nebraska law.

Wednesday afternoon the judiciary committee listened to testimony, only coming from those in favor of the proposed changes.

Sen. Justin Wayne's bill would remove cannabidiol from the marijuana definition and take it off the list of Nebraska's controlled substances.

"I just wanna make sure that we allow business owners and people who need CBD oils to do it in a safe, legal environment," said Wayne.

If the bill were to pass it would also create a new identification process for law enforcement to determine if a substance is marijuana or CBD oil. Which would cost the state around $300 thousand dollars, to buy the new equipment and hire a forensic chemist.

"Right now the state patrol can only test if it has THC," said Wayne. "Not the level of how much THC is is in the product."

Currently in Nebraska the Attorney General says the only legal CBD oil is FDA approved Epidolex, but there are stores around Lincoln that currently carry items with CBD oil in them.

Sen. Wayne also says the economic impact of legalizing CBD oil is something lawmakers shouldn't ignore.

"So many people right now are buying them online," said Wayne. "Just because local stores are afraid to sell it. I think it's a boost to the economy because now those individuals can go to the store and get it done."

The bills next step is the committee must vote on whether to advance it to the full legislature. It's unclear when that could happen but Senator Wayne says he feels confident that it will pass during this session.