How to Open a Dispensary in Nebraska

If you’ve been waiting for the chance to open a dispensary in Nebraska, the time is here. The state has released its emergency cannabis regulations, and applications will soon be accepted. With limited licenses available, competition will be fierce — which means your dispensary design, business plan, and application need to shine.

At Studio Bliss, we help cannabis entrepreneurs nationwide turn their vision into reality. From creating compliance-friendly floor plans to guiding your application, we make sure you’re not just applying — you’re applying to win.

👉 See how we support new operators on our Nebraska cannabis facility design page

Why Timing Matters in Nebraska

Only one dispensary license per judicial district will be awarded. If there are more applicants than licenses, the state will use a lottery. But here’s the catch — only complete, high-scoring applications are eligible.

That means:

• A strong business plan

• Financial stability (proof you can launch and sustain)

• A compliance-ready dispensary design

• A qualified leadership team

Without these, you won’t even make it into the lottery drawing.

What Nebraska Requires From You

Before you jump in, here are some key rules you’ll need to meet:

• Local ownership: Majority-owned (51%+) by U.S. citizens who’ve lived in Nebraska for at least 4 years.

• Location limits: Your dispensary must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, churches, hospitals, or treatment centers.

• No vertical integration: You can’t hold more than one type of cannabis license in the state.

• Background checks: No recent felony or controlled substance convictions.

These guardrails mean applicants who prepare early will have the advantage.

How To Start a Nebraska Dispensary the Smart Way

The state isn’t just looking for paperwork — it’s looking for readiness. Your dispensary application must prove you can open quickly and operate responsibly. That’s where design comes in.

Nebraska requires:

• 24/7 video surveillance and access control

• Seed-to-sale tracking from day one

• Compliance-friendly layouts that keep patients safe and product secure

At Studio Bliss, we design dispensaries that not only meet Nebraska’s strict compliance rules but also deliver a modern, customer-friendly experience. From patient check-in flow to display case design, every detail can impact how regulators — and future customers — view your business.

For more ideas, explore our guide to Nebraska dispensary designs and floor plans

Turning Compliance Into Competitive Advantage

Yes, Nebraska’s rules are strict. But that’s where opportunity lives. The best applicants won’t just check boxes — they’ll show the Commission they’re building a dispensary that’s safe, compliant, and built to last.

That’s why our clients partner with us:

• We know the rules inside and out.

• We transform complex regulations into clear, practical design solutions.

• We help your dispensary look professional, flow efficiently, and stand out in a crowded market.

When applications open, you don’t want to be scrambling. You want to be ready.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re serious about opening a dispensary in Nebraska, now is the time to build your team and your strategy. Studio Bliss has guided operators nationwide through licensing, design, and launch. Let’s make sure your Nebraska dispensary is next.

👉 Talk to us today about how to start a dispensary in Nebraska