A new report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Rural Drug Addiction Research Center shows support for cannabis legalization is increasing across the state. The Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey found that 47 percent of Nebraska adults now support legal marijuana for both medical and recreational use, up from 44 percent in 2024. Support for medical cannabis alone climbed from 80 percent to 84 percent during the same period. The findings come nearly two years after Nebraska voters approved medical marijuana by a 71 percent margin at the ballot box.
The survey also found cannabis use has increased among Nebraskans. Fifteen percent of respondents said they had purchased marijuana legally in another state in 2026, compared to 11 percent in 2024. Use of Delta-8 and other THC products also rose from 8 percent to 10 percent. Research Assistant Professor Patrick Habecker said he was surprised by the number of Nebraskans crossing state lines to obtain cannabis, particularly as recreational marijuana remains legal in neighboring Colorado and Missouri.
The report highlighted significant regional differences in public opinion. Support for legal cannabis reached 54 percent in metropolitan areas, including Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island. In micropolitan communities such as Kearney, Lexington, North Platte and Hastings, support was lower at 35 percent, while rural counties recorded 32 percent support. Habecker said researchers will continue monitoring how opinions and usage patterns change as Nebraska’s new medical cannabis industry develops and as a pending state law seeks to restrict hemp-derived THC products.
