Much of the United States has not legalized marijuana, including Nebraska. For Omaha marijuana defense lawyer Daniel Stockmann, clients facing marijuana drug charges are a large part of his caseload. Because there is such heavy stigma around marijuana in this state, activists for legalization have their hands full.
Nebraska’s Stance on Marijuana
In Nebraska, marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Schedule 1 drugs are drugs with a high chance of being abused and no health or medical purpose. Though there is evidence that marijuana does not belong in this classification, it still remains illegal in many states, including Nebraska.
Possession of a small amount of marijuana (less than one ounce) here is a mere infraction. However, a second offense of the same amount is a misdemeanor, and possession of larger amounts is a felony. Any sale of marijuana - no matter the amount - is a felony in Nebraska. Almost every charge also includes a hefty fine.
Organizations Working to Legalize Marijuana
Though many government officials reject the idea of marijuana decriminalization, those in favor of reform speak out. In widely conservative Texas, representative Joe Moody speaks out against criminalization. In an article on Marijuana.com, Moody says that “...the current punishment doesn’t fit the crime. Arrestees - mostly young people - are being saddled with permanent criminal records that can make them almost unemployable later.” This is the opinion of many activists and organizations working to legalize marijuana all over the United States.
NORML, a national organization of people working to move the public opinion of marijuana, believes that the criminalization of this substance is a disservice to society. NORML and other groups believe that law enforcement’s time and resources can and should be spent on more serious crime than marijuana possession or sale. Supporters of marijuana legalization also believe that most of the charges against people in possession of the substance do more harm to their lives than using marijuana ever could, just as Texas representative Joe Moody speaks about. NORML has local state chapters all over the country, including in Nebraska.
Another activist organization in Nebraska is Nebraska Families 4 Medical Cannabis (NF4MC). NF4MC works to provide education on medical cannabis and how it can greatly improve the quality of life for families in need. They strongly believe that legalized medical cannabis can provide extreme relief for certain illnesses and conditions. This group strongly supported the bill LB622, which was introduced into Nebraska legislature by Senator Anna Wishart earlier this year. This bill, if passed, will allow patients with certain conditions to qualify for access to medical marijuana.
Though the state of Nebraska has largely conservative views on marijuana legalization, activists and organizations supporting marijuana reform work tirelessly to garner support and lead education on the substance. If those in favor of medical cannabis gain more support, decriminalization of marijuana throughout the state may follow.
Rely on Trusted Omaha Marijuana Defense Lawyer, Daniel Stockmann
If you’re facing a wrongful drug charge, call Omaha marijuana defense lawyer Daniel Stockmann. He has over a decade of experience working with similar cases and has had countless successes. Though marijuana may one day be legalized in the state of Nebraska, drug lawyers like Stockmann will continue to work with clients facing MJ charges to help them make the best of their situations in the meantime. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, fill out the free case evaluation form on this page or call (402) 884-1031.
