LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska groups pushing for approval of medical marijuana in the state have decided to delay a petition drive to put the question on the ballot because of the time and expense required.

Shelley Gillen, whose son has epileptic seizures that might be helped by the drug, says backers are looking at the possibility of a petition drive to force a 2018 vote.

A bill to allow medical marijuana failed this spring thanks to opposition from the Governor and Attorney General.

State Sen. Tommy Garrett of Bellevue sponsored the bill. He says it would have cost $700,000 to nearly $1 million to pay for the petition drive and advertising.

Garrett says he will continue trying to pass a bill if he is re-elected.