Our Omaha drug lawyer blog has had a finger on the pulse of the medical marijuana debate in Nebraska for some time. Some of the latest developments show that citizens are willing to fight for it, even if that means going up against politicians.
Nebraska Polls Favor Legalization of Medical Marijuana
Just a few months ago, State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln released poll results from a survey taken last November. Not surprisingly, 77% of Nebraskans now favor medical marijuana, meaning if it’s put before the citizens as a vote, it will likely pass with ease. Wishart made the results public just before a Judiciary Committee public hearing which would decide if the initiative should be put before voters. Unfortunately, Legislative Resolution 293CA did not receive priority designation, meaning lawmakers would not likely pass it so the decision could be on the November 2018 general election ballot. Wishart feels it does not have quite enough support and plans to be part of greater campaigning efforts for the 2019 or 2020 vote.
Pleas for Medical Marijuana at Hearing Outnumbered Oppositions
Three individuals spoke out against medical marijuana during a February public hearing. Among them, Nebraska’s chief medical officer, Dr. Thomas Williams, expressed that physicians would be unlikely to prescribe something they don’t know and trust. Dr. Monica Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist who formerly practiced in Colorado but has since moved to Lincoln, cautioned of the possibilities that children might obtain 90% THC. Meanwhile, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Ryan Post testified that federal law supersedes the state laws that have been created to legalize medical marijuana.
Nebraska ACLU attorney Amy disagreed, citing the 10th Amendment as proof the states can lawfully enact their own marijuana policies. The Amendment simply states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”
Others made more personal pleas, such as chronic pain sufferer Lia McDowell Post. “I do what I must do to make more of myself than the nothingness my pain wants me to be, but still, I’m a criminal,” she said.
Papillion mayoral candidate Autumn Sky Burns added that she met many people while campaigning for City Council who were using medical marijuana as a means to come off harder painkillers. “Why are we creating criminals when other states are seeing patients?” she questioned.
Sen. Wishart would like to see the decision made by voters. “If some of my colleagues are uncomfortable voting in support of a medical cannabis system, then at least they should let their constituents have a vote,” she declared.
Retain an Omaha Drug Lawyer
Even though the people have spoken, the legislation hasn’t caught up yet. It remains a crime to have marijuana for any reason, even for medical treatments. Unfortunately, even those who use medicinal marijuana to treat things like chronic pain or seizures are treated as if they’re criminals—all over something that is now legal across most of the country. That means fines, a permanent record, and even time behind bars are real possibilities. If you or a loved one is dealing with a marijuana-related legal problem, contact Omaha drug lawyer Daniel Stockmann. With nearly two decades of experience fighting charges like yours, Mr. Stockmann not only understands what a difficult time this is for you but can help you regain your life and freedom as quickly as possible. Call (402) 884-1031 or complete the form on this page to secure your free consultation with Mr. Stockmann.
