As a weed lawyer in Omaha, Daniel Stockmann sees cases involving Nebraska’s rigid legislation every day. Even though the state lags behind many others in terms of passing more progressive laws, residents continue to lean toward more relaxed legislation. While many pro-MJ organizations have pulled up stakes and are holding off until 2020 to run another campaign, residents aren’t waiting. There are presently four distinct petitions constituents are gathering signatures for right now and two may well result in another marijuana vote in Nebraska this year.
1) Medicaid Expansion
Plans to expand Medicaid in Nebraska have failed to make it through the state legislature six times so far. The Medicaid expansion petition, which needs some 85,000 signatures before July 5, aims to give coverage to an additional 90,000 low-income residents. The measure will give medical coverage to couples without children as well as single adults, as well as benefit disabled people and parents living at 138% of the poverty level.
2) Anti-Corruption
The anti-corruption petition aims to limit political campaign contributions. Maximum donation amounts would be set at $100 to a party or committee and $1,000 to a candidate.
3) Decriminalization of Marijuana
Laws presently make having any amount of marijuana a felony. The current petition would decriminalize possessing one ounce or less, meaning no fines or penalties would apply for those found with a small amount. If the petition gets 85,000 signatures and goes before the voters and passes, anyone found with one ounce or less of marijuana effective January 1, 2019 would not be subject to any consequences brought forth by the state.
4) Right to Cannabis
The Right to Cannabis Petition seeks to amend the state constitution, which means it would need 10% of voters (120,000 people) to sign off on it before July 5 to make it on the ballot. It would make it legal to possess and use cannabis plants.
Retain a Weed Lawyer in Omaha
Current polls of Nebraska residents suggest that a medical marijuana initiative has potential to pass, but that’s not what may hit the 2018 ballot. If the two marijuana-related petitions get enough signatures before July 5, it would mean the right to have cannabis plants goes up to a vote, which isn’t likely to pass, and that voters may be able to decide whether possessing one ounce or less of the leafy green substance will continue to be a crime. It’s unclear which way voters would likely lean. Regardless of what the future holds, possessing any amount of cannabis or cannabis product is illegal right now, and if you are charged with a marijuana-related crime, you will have to fight to protect your name, finances, and freedom. As a top weed lawyer in Omaha, Daniel Stockmann focuses purely on cases that involve drug charges, and his successful track record for getting charges dropped or reduced is the result of a lifetime of work in this area. If you need help following a marijuana-related arrest, call (402) 884-1031 to take advantage of a free consultation with Mr. Stockmann.
