Victory for Wellness: Nebraska Voters to Decide on Life-Changing Medical Marijuana Legalization this November!
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana has successfully gathered sufficient signatures to present the legalization of medical marijuana to voters this November, according to Nebraska’s top election official. Earlier this year, the group announced it had amassed around 114,000 signatures for each of its two petitions: one to legalize medical marijuana and another to regulate the industry within the state, surpassing the required 86,000 signatures. Additionally, these signatures must come from at least 5% of registered voters in a minimum of 38 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.
Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen confirmed that over 89,000 signatures for each petition have been verified, meeting the 5% threshold in 51 counties. This marks the third attempt by the group to place the issue on the ballot. In 2020, the effort was thwarted by opponents who argued that the measure violated state rules by addressing two separate issues. The state Supreme Court sided with the opponents, preventing the measure from reaching voters. Despite a subsequent failed attempt in 2022 due to insufficient signatures, the group persisted.
Across the U.S., numerous states have already legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, with Ohio doing so most recently in November. This fall, voters in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Florida will decide on the legalization of recreational marijuana. In a significant shift, the federal government initiated a process in May to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
The upcoming vote in Nebraska represents a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over medical marijuana, highlighting evolving perspectives on cannabis regulation nationwide.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/measures-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-in-nebraska-can-appear-on-november-ballot-official-says-11725047237370.html
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