Nebraskans Express Frustration Over Lack of Progress on Medical Cannabis Bill
Six months after Nebraskans passed ballot initiatives legalizing and regulating medical cannabis, some of the same Nebraskans gathered at Southeast Community College in Lincoln to express their frustration and disappointment over the lack of progress in the state legislature. The event was one of three town halls hosted by state lawmakers to hear feedback from voters on the medical cannabis bill, LB677.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Ben Hansen, has been slow to move through the legislative process, and many Nebraskans are growing impatient. The bill has been amended to narrow its scope, and some critics argue that it does not accurately reflect the will of the voters who passed the ballot initiatives.
At the town hall, Nebraskans shared their personal stories of struggling with pain and suffering, and how they believe medical cannabis could have helped them. They also expressed frustration over the lack of urgency shown by lawmakers in addressing the issue.
One man from Bellevue said, “The people have spoken overwhelmingly. Nebraskans want to see exactly what they voted for without the needless compromises from Holdcroft and the like.” He was referring to Sen. Rick Holdcroft, who has been criticized for his role in shaping the bill.
Many attendees criticized the $45 application fee for a medical cannabis card, the limitation on 30 dispensaries across the state, and the omission of post-traumatic stress disorder from the list of 15 qualifying medical conditions. They also expressed frustration over the prohibition on smoking cannabis, which they believe is outdated and restrictive.
Some attendees shared their personal stories of struggling with pain and suffering, and how they believe medical cannabis could have helped them. For example, Jill Heese told the panel about her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer and suffered from chronic pain. Heese said that if medical cannabis had been legal, her mother would have been able to try it and potentially find relief.
Glenn Henry, who was diagnosed with stage four metastatic prostate cancer, said that cannabis has helped him manage his pain and improve his quality of life. He urged lawmakers to allow patients to consume cannabis in whatever way works best for them, rather than imposing restrictions.
