Why it matters: Advocates in Nebraska are pushing for a medical cannabis initiative to be added to the ballot in 2024 after the legislative body refused to consider similar legislation despite strong support from constituents. There are a number of states in the US that lack medical cannabis laws, including Nebraska, Idaho, Indiana, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
What they are saying: Crista Eggers, spokesperson for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said that the group plans to petition the government for safe and regulated medical cannabis in Nebraska. Eggers’ son has epilepsy, and after trying multiple medications without success, they turned to medical cannabis, which has helped manage his seizures.
The big picture: Despite strong public support for medical cannabis in Nebraska, previous initiatives to legalize it have failed. The state’s Supreme Court struck down a ballot initiative in 2020, and a 2021 legislative bill was two votes short of passing. Currently, Nebraska lacks medical cannabis laws, leaving patients without legal access to the drug.
What to watch: Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana will need to collect more than 200,000 signatures to qualify the initiative for the 2024 ballot. The initiative has faced obstacles in the past, including being stripped from the ballot by the state’s Supreme Court. Gov. Pete Ricketts has been vocal in his opposition to medical cannabis, but current Gov. Jim Pillen has expressed support for FDA-approved medicines.
Take: It’s unfortunate that Nebraska still lacks medical cannabis laws despite strong support from the public. Hopefully, the initiative will make it onto the 2024 ballot and allow patients to legally access the drug. It’s important for lawmakers to ensure that patients have access to safe and regulated medical cannabis, which can provide much-needed relief to those suffering from a variety of health conditions.
