Nebraska Campaign Submits Petitions to Put Medical Marijuana Before Voters

In a significant move towards medical marijuana legalization, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM) have submitted petitions to place two statutory measures on the November 2024 ballot. The campaign, led by advocates including state Sen. Anna Wishart and former state Sen. Adam Morfeld, gathered over 114,000 signatures for each petition, surpassing the required 87,000. This effort marks the third attempt by NMM to bring medical cannabis legalization to a vote, reflecting strong public support and persistent advocacy.

The journey to get medical marijuana on the ballot has been long and arduous. NMM’s campaign involved extensive grassroots efforts, with volunteers canvassing across the state to gather signatures. The campaign’s success in collecting over 114,000 signatures for each petition is a testament to the dedication of its supporters and the widespread public backing for medical cannabis reform.

The first petition, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, aims to protect patients with serious health conditions from criminal penalties for using medical cannabis. This measure would allow patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis with a healthcare provider’s recommendation. The second petition, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, seeks to establish a regulated industry for medical cannabis, including a commission to oversee the licensing and distribution of cannabis products.

Despite previous setbacks, including failed attempts to get similar measures on the ballot, the current campaign has gained significant momentum. The overwhelming number of signatures collected indicates a strong desire among Nebraskans to see medical marijuana legalized and regulated.

Public Support and Advocacy

Public support for medical marijuana in Nebraska has been growing steadily. According to a February 2024 poll, approximately 70% of Nebraskans favor legalizing medical cannabis. This broad support spans various demographics, including veterans, cancer patients, and individuals with chronic pain and epilepsy, who have shared their stories and advocated for the benefits of medical cannabis.

The campaign has also received backing from several prominent figures and organizations. State Sen. Anna Wishart, a long-time advocate for medical marijuana, has been a vocal supporter of the campaign. Her involvement, along with that of other key advocates, has helped to raise awareness and garner support for the petitions.

NMM’s efforts have highlighted the potential benefits of medical cannabis for patients with serious health conditions. The campaign has emphasized the need for compassionate care and the importance of providing patients with safe and legal access to medical cannabis. This message has resonated with many Nebraskans, contributing to the campaign’s success in gathering signatures.

Looking Ahead to November

With the petitions now submitted, the focus shifts to the upcoming November 2024 election. If the measures are approved by voters, Nebraska will join the growing list of states that have legalized medical marijuana. The approval of these measures would mark a significant milestone in the state’s approach to cannabis regulation and patient care.

The campaign’s success in getting the petitions on the ballot is a crucial step, but the work is far from over. Advocates will continue to educate the public about the benefits of medical cannabis and the specifics of the proposed measures. Efforts will also be made to counter any opposition and ensure that voters are well-informed when they head to the polls.

As the election approaches, the outcome will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of medical marijuana. The decision of Nebraska voters will have far-reaching implications, not only for patients in the state but also for the broader movement towards cannabis legalization in the United States.