Nebraska activists have collected signatures from 16 counties for two medical marijuana legalization initiatives in 2024. They plan to collect four more signatures by the end the year, as they prepare for the final push.
Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana has tried to place medical marijuana on the ballot in two previous election cycles. However, they have failed due to setbacks like the loss of crucial funding last year or intervention by the State Supreme Court during the first attempt. The campaign stated in an email blast last week that advocates have made significant progress on gathering signatures this time around.
The group is also asking supporters to send in any petitions that they already have signed so they can better decide where to focus their resources in the coming year.
The campaign asked for signatures. This is vital for us to allocate resources wisely in the coming year.
Crista Eggers is the campaign manager for NMM. She said, “Since we relaunched our campaign, I am inspired and hopeful that Nebraskans from all backgrounds, regions and political affiliations are coming together to support medical marijuana legalization.”
In a Friday email blast, the campaign claimed that it had secured the two latest counties in one day thanks to volunteers “who stayed until they completed the task.”
It said that “Door knocking and house calls were combined with the drive and force of two incredible grassroots collectors to create a force not to be feared.”
The campaign needs valid petitions signed by at least five per cent of voters from a minimum 38 counties in the state. Donations are encouraged from supporters to ensure the campaign has the funding it needs to complete the task.
NMM stated that “when you donate to Nebraskans For Medical Marijuana you are helping us print petitions and support our canvassers. You’re also reaching Nebraskans all over the state.”
Since July , volunteers are filling out petitions. This is about two months after submitted the complementary legalization initiative to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Gov. Jim Pillen (R), who has voiced his opposition to reform, said in September that the legalization of cannabis “poses proven harms to children” and that access to medical cannabis would only be available if it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Eggers said to Marijuana Moment in September that the governor’s argument was a “cop-out” and she stated the campaign would let the voters decide.
“We cannot stop until this is done. “That’s the way our campaign feels,” said she. “We just show up.” We have no choice but to keep showing up.
NMM supporters were unable to gather enough signatures in order to place the measure on the ballot for 2020. The state Supreme Court invalidated the measure after a single-subject appeal. supporters failed to gather enough signatures in 2022 for a revised petition due in part to a loss of funding following the death of one of their major donors in a plane accident.
Nebraska legislators, including Sen. Anna Wishart, campaign co-chair (D), also tried to pass the reform through the legislature, but cannabis legislation has consistently been blocked by the conservative lawmakers.
Wishart’s bill for medical cannabis was heard by the unicameral Judiciary Committee, but did not progress. She blamed the lack of action on changes to committee membership. A previous version of the measure ultimately failed to pass in the GOP-controlled Legislature due to a filibuster.
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Photo by Brian Shamblen.
The post Nebraska activists tout medical marijuana legalization petition progress in 16 counties and step up their push for support ahead of 2024 first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
