Marijuana Laws & College Policies in Nebraska:
What You Need to Know
As of December 10, 2024, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act allows qualified patients in Nebraska to possess up to five ounces of cannabis. However, because cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, its use and possession are still subject to federal restrictions.
Even when cannabis is legal in certain contexts, that does not mean it is permitted everywhere. Colleges and universities in Nebraska must comply with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. As a result, all cannabis use and possession, whether medical or recreational, remains prohibited on campus.
If you are a student, possessing or using cannabis on campus may result in disciplinary action, regardless of your medical status. Be sure to understand your institution's policies and consider how violations could affect your academic and professional future.
Protect your goals. Don't let cannabis put your education or career at risk. Take cannabis out of the equation.
Infractions
Recreational cannabis/marijuana use remains illegal. If you're caught havingcannabis/marijuana or related paraphernalia in your possession without a valid medical cannabis/marijuana card, you may be charged with an infraction and face a fine.
Misdemeanors
A second or third violation could result in a misdemeanor charge, jail time, and higher fines. You don't have time for that.
Felonies
If you are caught with large quantities of the drug recreationally, or if you sell or cultivate it, the consequences become even more serious. A felony conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence and fines exceeding $25,000, taking your entire future off course.
Don't put your education at risk
Make College About Making It
College is...a lot. New schedules, life changes, part-time jobs, challenging courses, emotional highs and lows.
It affects your studies
Did you know that using marijuana can significantly impact your studies? It distorts your senses and causes difficulties with problem-solving, information retention, and critical thinking.
Unlock the full potential of your college journey by staying focused. When you steer clear of cannabis, you'll notice that your classes become more manageable and easier to understand, listen to, and learn from.
College is already a lot, and adding cannabis to the equation only makes it more challenging. Don't make it harder than it has to be.
It changes how you feel
It can impact your mood by causing you to feel tired and drowsy. These mood changes can make it challenging to carry out your daily tasks and concentrate on your academic performance. It can intensify feelings of stress and may even contribute to conditions like anxiety and depression.
That's not all - using cannabis can affect the body by increasing heart rate and appetite, reducing coordination, or causing eye redness and dry mouth.
Intense highs can even cause hallucinations or paranoia — the last thing you need when getting ready for an exam or pulling an all-nighter to finish up a paper. Remember, you are in control of your focus and feelings. Don't let a substance dictate your thoughts and emotions. You have the power to stay in control.
It can lead to addiction
Addiction can derail the future you're trying to build for yourself. Research suggests that about 30% of people who use marijuana encounter a substance use disorder in their lifetime, with 9% becoming addicted. Your life today and your future potential are too important to put at risk. Keep your focus on achieving everything you are capable of!
It slows you down
The effects of smoking marijuana are immediate, while ingesting marijuana in the form of edibles can take up to an hour for the effects to kick in. Although most effects usually wear off within hours, regular users have reported experiencing symptoms for up to two weeks after use.
If you've got places to be, it's best to wait 6 hours or more after using before driving to keep yourself and others safe.
Long story short, it hinders your progress, making it harder to check everything off your to-do list!
Campus Counseling Is Here to Help
Don't Go It Alone
If college life is becoming overwhelming, marijuana is not a cure-all. Your campus counseling center can provide support, resources, and strategies to help you navigate life's challenges.
You may benefit from speaking with a counselor if you are struggling with:
- Managing academic, work, or personal responsibilities
- Feelings of stress or anxiety
- Depression or persistent negative thoughts
- Addictive or compulsive behaviors
- Relationship or family concerns
- Coping with major life changes or transitions
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Support is available, and you don't have to face these challenges alone.
What Your Peers Are Doing
78%
In 2026, 78% of Nebraska college students reported not using marijuana in the past year. However, 87% of students believed that the typical student on campus uses marijuana, greatly overestimating how common use actually is.
92%
In 2026, 92% of Nebraska college students reported not using delta-8 in the past year.
72%
Most Nebraska college students who use marijuana make the decision not to drive afterward. In 2026, 72% of students who reported using marijuana said they had not driven after using.
See For Yourself
Browse our resources to learn the facts about marijuana use for yourself.
Sources:
- 2026 Nebraska Assessment of College Health Behaviors
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder," CDC, 15 Feb 2024