Activists in Nebraska say they have met a pivotal requirement in the signature gathering process to put two measures to legalize medical cannabis on the ballot this November. This milestone was communicated in an email blast which was sent out on Tuesday to supporters.
Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM), the group behind this campaign, revealed that IT had so far collected a minimum of 5% voter signatures in 38 out of the 93 counties in the state. This meets one of the key requirements for the initiatives to appear on November’s ballot.
Crista Eggers, an NMM campaign manager, was quick to add that the job wasn’t complete yet because they needed to accumulate a buffer of valid signatures to be absolutely sure the measures will appear on the ballot. Eggers added that given their experience during two previous attempts to put medical cannabis on the ballot that failed for various reasons, it is only right that advocates don’t relax after gathering the minimum number of voter signatures. A buffer is important, she emphasized.
It should be noted that NMM failed to put its medical cannabis initiative on the last ballot because it lost a vital funding source, and the state Supreme Court blocked its effort in the prior election cycle.
The campaign aimed at taking maximum advantage of the primary elections on Tuesday and collect signatures to have more counties meeting the threshold of signed petitions prior to sending the collected signatures to the secretary of state of Nebraska. The group is also intensifying its appeal for donations to keep the campaign going.
The campaign is drumming up support for two initiatives. The first aims at codifying protections for medical professionals who recommend marijuana and also protect the patients who buy and possess the substance. It also seeks to ensure that penalties can’t be imposed under local and state law on qualifying individuals who possess, use or acquire limited amounts of medical marijuana for use in managing a condition for which medical marijuana was recommended. This initiative also protects caregivers who help patients use marijuana for medical purposes.
The second ballot measure aims at creating a medical marijuana commission in the state to regulate the registration and licensing of individuals and entities engaged in the possession, manufacture, distribution, delivery or dispensing of medical marijuana.
Nebraska governor, Jim Pillen, has voiced his opposition to the ballot measures. Eggers is unfazed and wants voters to decide on their own whether medical marijuana is good for the residents or not.
The entire cannabis industry, including leading companies such as Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), will be rooting for the people of Nebraska to have a say on whether medical cannabis becomes legal or not.
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