Marijuana Legalization Takes Detour in Nebraska

There’s no finer example of the ongoing struggle between politicians and the people over the issue of marijuana legalization than the current events taking place in Nebraska. Despite efforts on two different fronts to get medical marijuana on the 2018 ballot, all efforts have been halted, at least for the time being.

A recent survey of Nebraska residents showed that 77 percent of respondents would vote yes on a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana in the state, according to an Omaha World-Herald report. The survey was conducted as part of research one state senator was conducting to support a resolution to make way for voters to decide on medical marijuana legalization. The resolution was dropped, though, when the senator determined she did not have enough support from her fellow legislators, despite the overwhelming support from voters.

Meanwhile the Marijuana Policy Project (which offered support for Proposition 64 when it was on the ballot in California) has been trying to organize a petition drive to get an initiative on the ballot as well. However, the group determined there was not enough time to rally for 2018 and are instead focusing their efforts on a big 2020 push.This is a massive disappointment for the good people of Nebraska who clearly want access to medical marijuana. Not only will they have to wait more than two years to vote, but assuming the initiative passes, it will take time to get the proper licensing systems and regulations in place to establish a medical marijuana infrastructure. That is unless legislators can get their act together before then and properly represent the view of their constituents.

And lest anyone try to turn this into a partisan issue, it should be noted that 58 percent of those who responded to the survey identified as Republicans. Democrats made up 29 percent, and Independents 13 percent, meaning support had to come from a bi-partisan cross-section. It’s obvious to our Los Angeles marijuana legalization attorneys that those who try to pit constituents against each other often try to paint cannabis as a liberal issue, pandering to old school conservative viewpoints rooted in the failed “War on Drugs.” But both parties are seeing through those games and are moving forward, whether naysayers like it or not. The loudest opponent, of course, has been Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has been trying to use his power to roll back protections for states who have passed marijuana laws that contradict the Schedule I classification under Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812. But the country is marching forward, with 29 states already legalizing medical marijuana and more eyeing ballot initiatives.

Those who harbor a bias against marijuana legalization often use their power to try to oppress rights and target cannabis users. If you find yourself the target of such irrational and unfair attacks, our experienced legal team has the wherewithal and knowledge to stand up for your rights. Our team includes attorneys who specialize in either criminal or legal cases, unlike some firms whose attorneys switch between the two. This allows us to hone our expertise and serve the people of Southern California better.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Medical Marijuana Backers Say They Won’t Make a Push for 2018 Nebraska Ballot, March 18, 2018, By Joe Duggan, Omaha World-Herald

More Blog Entries:

Two States Sue Colorado for Legalization of Marijuana, Jan. 3, 2015, Cannabis Law Group