Nebraska Legalizes Medical Cannabis Amid Legal Challenges

Nebraska has passed Initiative 437, legalizing medical cannabis with over 70% voter approval, allowing doctors to recommend and patients to use cannabis. Governor Jim Pillen signed proclamations certifying the initiative, although he and Attorney General Mike Hilgers have expressed concerns about its legality under federal law, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug. Judge Susan Strong rejected an injunction to block the proclamation, allowing the creation of a regulatory framework for medical cannabis in Nebraska despite ongoing legal challenges. A lawsuit is pending that questions the constitutionality of the initiatives, citing federal preemption and improper petition notarization. Crista Eggers, campaign manager for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, views the initiative's passage as a significant step towards accessible relief for patients. The state now faces the challenge of defending the initiatives in court while simultaneously preparing to implement the new law.