If you’re exploring how to open a dispensary in Nebraska, now is the time to get prepared. Nebraska has legalized medical cannabis, and the state is currently accepting applications for a limited number of licenses. With only 12 dispensary licenses available statewide, competition is high. Below, we outline everything you need to know about how to start a dispensary in Nebraska — including eligibility requirements, zoning restrictions, and how to apply for a dispensary license in Nebraska.
Is Cannabis Legal in Nebraska?
As of 2025, medical cannabis is legal for registered patients. In November 2024, Nebraska voters passed two ballot initiatives to legalize medical marijuana and establish a regulated industry. The program is regulated by the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission (NMCC). Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Nebraska.
How Many Nebraska Dispensary Licenses Are Available?
The state has capped the number of licenses at 12 medical cannabis dispensaries, with one dispensary per judicial district. This limited rollout means:
- Each judicial district will have only one licensed dispensary
- Dispensary licenses are location-specific and non-transferable
- Vertical integration is prohibited — dispensary owners may not hold cultivation, processing, or transport licenses
📌 If you’re considering how to start a dispensary in Nebraska, be aware that your competition will be fierce, and your application must be complete and compliant. Schedule a call with our Nebraska cannabis consultants for assistance.
Nebraska Dispensary License Requirements
To qualify for a Nebraska dispensary license, applicants must meet the following:
✅ Ownership Eligibility
- 51% of the business must be owned by Nebraska residents
- All owners must be U.S. citizens and at least 21 years old
- No felony drug convictions in the last 10 years
🏢 Real Estate Requirements
- Facility must be 1,000+ feet from schools, daycares, churches, or hospitals
- Must obtain written approval from both the local governing body and local health department
- Licenses are non-relocatable once issued
📋 Compliance Requirements
- Submit fingerprint-based background checks for all owners
- Include detailed business, operations, security, and patient care plans
- Dispensaries must sell only state-approved non-smokable medical cannabis products
How to Apply for a Dispensary License in Nebraska
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a dispensary license in Nebraska:
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure all owners meet the residency, citizenship, and background check requirements.
- Secure a Compliant Location: Choose a location that meets zoning regulations and the required 1,000-foot buffer zone.
- Obtain Local Approval: Get written approval from both: The local public health department and the city council or county board where your facility will operate
- Prepare Your Application: Compile the required documentation:
- Ownership details
- Facility address
- Security plan
- Operating procedures
- Community impact statement
- Submit to NMCC: The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission began accepting applications on July 1, 2025. Licenses must be issued by October 1, 2025.
⚠️ There is no hard application deadline yet, but with only 12 licenses available, early and complete submissions have an advantage.
Relevant Links and Laws
- Nebraska Revised Statutes § 71-24,106–111 – Medical Cannabis Regulation Act
- Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission – Updates and forms (NMCC site pending)
Need Help With Your Nebraska Dispensary License?
At Quantum 9, we help cannabis entrepreneurs across the country navigate competitive licensing processes — including how to open a dispensary in Nebraska. With only a dozen licenses up for grabs, our expert team can help you build a winning application, find a compliant location, and prepare your operations for state approval. Learn how to open a dispensary in Nebraska today.
