Cannabis advocates in Nebraska are eagerly awaiting the outcome of a ballot initiative filed earlier this month. If passed, it will enable state residents to vote on medical cannabis legalization.

The proposal to legalize medical cannabis in Nebraska, submitted by State Sens. Anna Wishart (D) and Adam Morfeld (D), was put forward on behalf of a political committee devoted to getting medical cannabis on Nebraska’s 2020 ballot.

A total of 130,000 signatures are needed to accomplish the task set out by the committee, named the “Nebraskans for Sensible Marijuana Laws”.

Nebraska’s medical cannabis initiative would increase patient access

The initiative to get medical cannabis on the November 2020 ballot in Nebraska would permit residents the chance to consume, access and be in possession of cannabis products and related equipment, so long as they are obtained from a health practitioner or doctor.

Furthermore, Nebraska’s medical cannabis initiative would permit residents to cultivate a sufficient amount of cannabis for personal use.

“We have evidence showing that it helps,” Wishart said in regards to medical cannabis. “So to deny people access to that, to me, is tragic. And that’s why we are pushing for this initiative on two fronts.”

Passing this measure in the state legislature is the primary motive that Wishart and Morfield have for initiating the bill, Wishart of whom has already introduced a bill this session.

Public figures in Nebraska have publicly opposed the measure

The measure to legalize medical cannabis in Nebraska has not been well-received by all. Gov. Pete Ricketts (R), former Rep. Tom Osborne (R) and Attorney General Doug Peterson (R) aired their disapproval of the laws to pass cannabis reform at a recent news conference.

“Opposition has stopped what I see as a groundswell of support in Nebraska to legalize medical [cannabis],” Wishart said during an interview with the Journal Star.

Currently, Wishart claims to be collaborating with the Judiciary Committee for a response to questions about her proposed bill. Wishart hopes that the bill flies through the committee, leading to a debate on the Legislature floor.

In recent years, numerous medical cannabis bills have been submitted for approval in Nebraska. Unfortunately, lack of votes have prevented cannabis bills from passing in the state senate thus far.  Nebraskans for Sensible Marijuana Laws is working hard to ensure the bill gains traction and passes all reviews with flying colors before it can accumulate enough signatures and get approved by state lawmakers.