Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana submits over 182,000 signatures to qualify medical marijuana ballot initiative

Last update: July 2, 2020

Despite pleas from patients and families all across the state, Nebraska’s unicameral legislature adjourned last year without taking action on legislation (LB 110) sponsored by Sen. Anna Wishart, which would have created a sensible and compassionate medical marijuana program in the state. Despite this disappointing result, patients and allies are looking forward to November, as a campaign aims to put the issue directly to voters. 

On July 2, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana submitted over 182,000 voter signatures gathered from all 93 counties to the secretary of state. In the coming weeks, state and local officials will tally the signatures collected by the campaign to confirm that enough valid signatures were submitted to qualify the constitutional medical marijuana initiative for the November 3 general election ballot. A decision is expected by mid-August.

The proposal would establish legal protections for patients who receive a recommendation from their healthcare provider to treat a debilitating condition with medical marijuana. It would also establish a foundation for the state to regulate a market of medical marijuana producers and dispensaries. 

To support the campaign, sign up to receive email updates, follow them on Facebook, or make a donation.

Current marijuana laws in Nebraska

 
Possession is illegal in Nebraska. Possession of one ounce or less is an infraction, which is punishable by a maximum fine of $300, and the judge may order the offender to complete a drug education course. A second conviction for possession of one ounce or less is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $500, and the third and subsequent convictions for possession of one ounce or less are a misdemeanor and are punishable by a maximum sentence of seven days imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500.

Cultivation is not allowed. Cultivation penalties in Nebraska are based upon the total weight of the plants found.

There is no medical marijuana program or any other allowances for patients in Nebraska.

Decriminalization for first time possession

Nebraska is one of the 26 states that do not jail first-time offenders found in possession of a small amount of cannabis. First offense possession of up to an ounce of marijuana is a civil infraction punishable under Nebraska law by a $300 fine — and a possible drug education course — instead of jail time and is a citation as opposed to an arrest. Second offense possession of up to an ounce carries a $400 fine and up to five days in jail, and third offense possession is punishable by up to a week in jail and a fine of $500. Second and third offense possession are misdemeanors, but are only citable, and not arrestable, offenses.

However, according to the ACLU, African Americans in Nebraska are nearly five times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as their white neighbors, despite similar use rates.

You can read about why states should replace marijuana prohibition with a system that legalizes marijuana for adults 21 and older and regulates it like alcohol. This approach would take the lucrative product off the criminal market and create thousands of legitimate jobs and tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue, while ending racial disparities in arrests and allowing police to focus on serious crime.

Take action!

Support the medical marijuana campaign: Visit the campaign's Facebook page!

Contact us: Let us know if you’d like to be involved in the fight for sensible marijuana policy in Nebraska by emailing state@mpp.org. Please let us know if you’re a medical professional, a seriously ill patient or loved one of a patient, or someone else with a personal connection to the issue.

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