Marijuana Laws & College Policies in Nebraska: What You Need to Know
As of December 10, 2024, the Patient Protection Act allows a patient in Nebraska to possess up to 5 ounces of cannabis/marijuana. However, because cannabis/marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, recreational use is still illegal across the state.
Even if cannabis/marijuana is legal in some contexts, that doesn’t mean it’s permitted everywhere. Colleges and universities in Nebraska must still comply with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. This means that ALL cannabis/marijuana use—medical or recreational—remains prohibited on campus.
If you're a student, possessing or using cannabis/marijuana on campus can still result in disciplinary action, regardless of your medical status. Take time to understand your college’s policies and consider how any violations could affect your academic and professional future. Protect your goals—don’t let cannabis/marijuana put your education or career at risk. Take cannabis out of the equation.
Infractions
Recreational cannabis/marijuana use remains illegal. If you're caught having cannabis/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 offense violation may result in a misdemeanor charge, jail time, and a larger fine. 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.
Make College About Making It. Don't put your education at risk
It affects to 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 cause addiction
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!
Don't go it alone. Campus Counseling is Here to Help.
If your college experience is getting to you, marijuana isn't a cure-all. Campus counseling services can help. You may want to seek help from a counselor if you struggle with:
- Managing responsibilities.
- Feelings of anxiety.
- Depressing thoughts or depression.
- Addictive behaviors.
What your peers are doing.
2024 Nebraska Assessment of College Health Behaviors
71%
In 2024, 71% of Nebraska college students reported not using marijuana in the past year, while 91% believed that their peers use it.
82%
65%
See For Yourself
Browse our resources to learn the facts about marijuana use for yourself.