LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska is drawing passionate support from people who want the drug to treat chronic conditions, but opposition from top state officials, law enforcement and former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne.
Both sides made their case Friday to lawmakers and the public.
The bill’s lead sponsor, Lincoln Sen. Anna Wishart, says the bill would help people who are suffering from debilitating seizures, nausea from cancer treatments and other chronic ailments.
Wishart has promised to launch a statewide ballot campaign if lawmakers don’t pass a legalization measure.
Gov. Pete Ricketts opposes the measure, arguing that legalization for medical purposes could open the door to recreational use. Osborne, a former Republican congressman, says he believes marijuana is addictive and dangerous.