Is Weed Legal In Nebraska?

Weed is a somewhat controversial drug.| All drugs are controversial, but cannabis, or weed as it is more widely known, is particularly divisive because there are lots of differing opinions about the use of this drug.

In recent years, many States across the USA (and countries across the world) have taken steps to legalize marijuana. In a lot of places, weed was already legal for medicinal use, but some areas have made cannabis legal for recreational use too.

This differs from state to state, so it can be a little confusing if you aren’t familiar with the laws.

In this guide, we’re taking a look at everything you need to know about the legality of using weed in Nebraska. So, if you want to find out more, keep on reading!

What Are The Laws Surrounding Weed In Nebraska?

So, let’s dive right in and take a look at what the laws are surrounding the use of weed in Nebraska. Like a number of other states in the USA, weed is totally illegal in Nebraska.

All the laws in this State prohibit the use of cannabis in any form, so if you use weed in any way, you will be breaking the law.

Back in the 1800s, when weed was being grown in Nebraska for the first time, the use of this drug was legal.

However, in the early 1900s, a prohibition was put in place that prevented those living in Nebraska from using cannabis.

The first laws against the use of weed in Nebraska were passed in 1927, and there has been very little change in these laws since then.

Some States in the USA still have laws that prevent residents from using weed for recreational purposes within that state but have decriminalized the use of weed for medicinal purposes.

But, Nebraska is not one of these states.

In fact, Nebraska is one of just two states that essentially have zero tolerance when it comes to the use of weed.

It is estimated that there are more than 6 million residents across the USA who require the use of cannabis for medical reasons, yet Nebraska will not provide any access to medical marijuana for its residents.

So, if you have previously been prescribed medicinal cannabis by your doctor, you will not be able to access this drug in the state of Nebraska.

Possession of cannabis in Nebraska is strictly prohibited. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at what happens if you are caught with this drug.

What Happens If You Get Caught With Weed In Nebraska?

As we have established, cannabis is totally illegal in the state of Nebraska. So, if you are caught with this drug in your possession, you will be breaking the law.

So, what is the punishment associated with this? Let’s find out.

Traditionally, since the prohibition surrounding cannabis in 1927, the laws surrounding possession of weed meant that you would receive a very strict punishment, regardless of the circumstances. But that changed in 1979.

In 1979, possession of small amounts of cannabis was reduced to a civil infraction.

This meant that the initial punishment for a first-time offender possessing cannabis was much lighter than it was previously.

Initially, this punishment was reduced to a maximum of 7 days of jail time. However, since then it has been reduced further to a fine of $300 for anyone possessing 1 ounce, or less, of weed.

As the amount of weed you have in your possession increases, so does the punishment associated with breaking the law.

If you possess more than 1 ounce, but less than 1 pound, of weed then the punishment is a fine of up to $500 and a potential jail time of up to 3 months.

For more than 1 pound of marijuana in your possession, you will be fined up to $10,000 and could serve up to 5 years in prison.

The punishment for possessing weed is pretty intense, but that is because possession and use of this drug are totally illegal in this state.

So, while possession of a small amount of weed has been decriminalized, it is still a civil infraction, so you could face punishment if caught with this in your possession.

Is Nebraska A Zero Tolerance State?

Nebraska is often seen as a “zero-tolerance state”. This is because the laws surrounding the use of drugs in this state are very strict.

That not only applies to illegal drugs, such as cannabis but also legal drugs, such as alcohol.

One of the biggest reasons why Nebraska is often considered to be a zero-tolerance state is because this state has strict laws against drinking and driving.

In particular, the state has put “zero-tolerance” laws into place to prevent minors from drinking and driving when they are under legal age.

The zero-tolerance laws surrounding drinking and driving for minors in Nebraska kind of mirror the same laws that exist in Wyoming.

Both States are clearly trying to crack down on the number of minors drinking and driving, and they are using strict laws to do this.

These strict laws are very similar to the “zero-tolerance” laws surrounding the use of weed in Nebraska.

Summary

In short, no, weed is not legal in Nebraska. In fact, Nebraska has very strict laws against the use of weed in this state.

While possessing less than 1 ounce of cannabis has been decriminalized, it is still a civil infraction that could lead to prosecution.

In addition to having laws preventing the recreational use of weed, Nebraska is also one of two states that do not allow weed for medicinal uses either.

So, weed is totally prohibited in the state of Nebraska.

We hope this information has been helpful – thank you for reading!

Learn more about Midwest weed laws and the legal status of cannabis in neighboring states:

• Is weed legal in Colorado?
• Is weed legal in Iowa?
• Is weed legal in Kansas?
• Is weed legal in Missouri?
• Is weed legal in South Dakota?
• Is weed legal in Wyoming?

Frequently Asked Questions

How Illegal Is Weed In Nebraska?

Possession of less than 1 ounce of cannabis is decriminalized and instead punished with a $300 fine.

However, the sale of weed and possession of anything more than 1 ounce is totally illegal in Nebraska.