Times are changing quickly, especially when it comes to cannabis legalization. Since Colorado and Washington were first to legalize cannabis in 2012, 44 states have followed suit and legalized, at least, medical cannabis, while 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized it for adult use.
The remaining six states where cannabis is fully illegal are starting to join the party, including our spotlight in this blog: Nebraska. Although Nebraska has already decriminalized marijuana, this year, the Cornhusker State is looking to follow its neighbors Colorado, South Dakota, and Missouri in legalizing medical cannabis.
In this blog, we’ll finish breaking down Nebraska’s current cannabis laws, the upcoming 2024 ballot initiative, and what legalization could mean for the state’s economy, health, and justice system.
Nebraska’s Current Cannabis Laws
Nebraska’s cannabis laws are still pretty strict compared to much of the country:
- The Cornhusker State has not legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use.
- Marijuana possession was decriminalized back in 1979, but growing, selling, or using cannabis remains illegal.
- Possession of up to one ounce results in a civil fine, with no jail time.
- Anything more than that? You’re looking at criminal charges.
Back in 2020, a medical marijuana bill almost made it to a vote, but it was blocked by the state’s Supreme Court, leaving advocates disappointed.
Nebraska’s lawmakers have consistently resisted cannabis legalization over the years, despite growing public support for reform. State leaders have pushed back hard, citing concerns over public health, safety, and the possibility of increased crime.
Past attempts to legalize cannabis, both medically and recreationally, have faced an uphill battle. But with momentum growing nationwide and neighboring states setting a successful example, change may finally be on the horizon for Nebraska.
Nebraska’s 2024 Ballot Initiative
The 2024 ballot initiative in Nebraska is shaping up to be a game-changer for cannabis legalization. Voters will have the chance to decide on a proposal that could finally legalize medical cannabis, which has two measures.
- The first measure is all about protecting patients using cannabis under a doctor’s care from arrest or prosecution.
- The second measure sets up a commission to regulate how medical cannabis is grown and distributed.
Advocates have separated the proposal into two distinct measures to comply with a 2020 Nebraska Supreme Court ruling, which requires each ballot question to address only one issue at a time. According to a February 2024 poll, 70% of Nebraskans support the use of medical cannabis, which is indicative of overwhelming support for these two measures.
The Fight Against Legal Setbacks
Unfortunately, ahead of the election, the initiative is facing a significant legal hurdle. A recent lawsuit was filed by former state senator John Kuehn seeking to invalidate Nebraska’s medical cannabis petitions, which could have serious implications for the cannabis initiatives in the upcoming election.
- Kuehn, a longtime opponent of cannabis legalization, claims that nearly 90,000 signatures collected in support of the pro-cannabis ballot measures are invalid.
- It challenges signatures arguing anything from improper notarization of signatures to unlawful participation of unregistered voters.
- The lawsuit aims to either remove the cannabis initiatives from the November ballot or prevent votes from being counted.
- However, Lancaster County District Court Judge Susan Strong is looking to dismiss the case to allow the measures to be on the ballot.
What Would Legal Medical Cannabis Mean for Nebraska?
If Nebraska legalizes medical cannabis, the impact could be huge across various industries.
- Economic Growth: For starters, the economic benefits are hard to ignore — legalizing medical cannabis could bring in significant tax revenue and create new jobs, from cultivation to dispensary operations. This could be a real boost for local economies, especially in rural areas.
- Medical Aid & Alternatives: On the health and wellness front, patients would finally gain legal access to medical cannabis, which could provide relief for those dealing with chronic pain, epilepsy, or other conditions where traditional treatments have fallen short. There’s also the potential for a reduction in opioid use and prescription as more people turn to cannabis as a safer alternative for managing pain.
- Social Justice: Lastly, but certainly not least, there are valuable social justice implications of medical cannabis legalization. The legalization of medical cannabis could lead to the legalization of recreational cannabis, which could be a huge step forward toward criminal justice reform by reducing arrests and incarceration rates for nonviolent cannabis offenses. Fewer people would face life-altering consequences for something that, in many states, is already legal.
Considering these possibilities, legalizing medical cannabis in Nebraska could pave the way for positive change on multiple fronts.
Nebraska: Use Your Vote to Turn Over A New Leaf
Nebraska is at a pivotal moment with the opportunity to join many other states in legalizing medical cannabis and opening the door to better healthcare, economic growth, and criminal justice reform. As the day to vote gets closer and closer, it’s essential for Nebraskans to stay informed and make their voices heard.
Don’t let this initiative go up in smoke — make sure to get out and vote when November rolls around!
Supporting Local Communities in Nebraska
At PufCreativ, we’re passionate about helping cannabis brands become integral parts of their local communities. In Nebraska, where cannabis legalization is gaining momentum, it’s crucial for businesses to focus on more than just sales — community engagement and social responsibility are key.
By creating campaigns that resonate, we’ve found success in helping brands build trust, foster local loyalty, and contribute to a growing industry that brings jobs, education, and pride to the state.
Are you a hopeful cannabis business in Nebraska looking to make an impact? Contact us today!
The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.