Lincoln, Nebraska – Governor Jim Pillen has taken new action aimed at confronting the growing presence of illegal recreational synthetic THC products in Nebraska, signing an executive order designed to tighten oversight and protect public health. The order was signed Monday with Attorney General Mike Hilgers at his side and focuses on products that have rapidly appeared in stores across the state, often marketed as harmless alternatives.
Executive Order Targets Synthetic THC Products
The executive order directs several Nebraska state agencies to closely review existing laws, rules, and regulations related to synthetic THC used in food, beverages, and other products meant for human consumption. These items are often sold as gummies, liquid drops, and infused drinks, and are frequently displayed in colorful packaging that critics say can be misleading, especially to young people.
Unlike naturally occurring hemp compounds, these synthetic THC products are chemically altered to create psychoactive effects similar to Delta-9 THC, the main intoxicating substance found in marijuana. State officials warn that the process used to artificially increase THC levels poses serious health risks, particularly because the products are largely unregulated and may contain unknown or unsafe ingredients.
“We must be able to protect our kids from these products. They’re marketed like something they are not and the hemp industry is taking advantage of that fact,” said Gov. Pillen. “I’m pleased to partner with AG Hilgers in taking a strong stand against the selling of these potentially dangerous products.”
Attorney General Hilgers echoed those concerns, emphasizing the need to act quickly as the products continue to spread across retail shelves.
“Thank you to Governor Pillen for his leadership in signing this executive order. As we continue to fight the active poisoning of our communities, the tools in this order will help ensure that products not fit for human consumption are taken off retail shelves,” said AG Hilgers. “This order sends a clear directive to keep these products out of Nebraska.”
The issue has been a long-standing concern for both Pillen and Hilgers. The executive order also aligns Nebraska’s actions with upcoming federal changes. A continuing resolution signed by President Trump late last year will ban synthetic THC products under federal law, effective November 2026. That federal action will make hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC, including Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, illegal nationwide.
Several agency leaders joined the governor and attorney general during the signing, including Sherry Vinton of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Kelly Lammers of the Department of Banking and Finance, and Jim Kamm of the Department of Revenue. These agencies are tasked with reviewing current authority and drafting new rules if needed to ensure products sold for consumption do not contain intoxicating synthetic THC.
State leaders stressed that the executive order does not affect Nebraska’s medical marijuana process, which remains separate and unchanged.
Officials say the order represents a firm step toward protecting families, reducing health risks, and ensuring Nebraska’s laws keep pace with a rapidly changing marketplace.
