SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — As more states legalize marijuana for humans, more pet owners are giving medical-cannabis products to their furry companions to treat a range of ailments, including arthritis, anxiety, seizures and cancer.

But veterinarians say there isn’t enough scientific data to show that cannabis is safe and effective for treating animals.

Medical marijuana is legal in 28 states but remains illegal under federal law, so there has been relatively little research into its potential health benefits for humans or animals.

Veterinarians in California and other states are legally barred from prescribing or recommending cannabis. They risk losing their veterinary licenses if they do.

Despite the lack of scientific data or veterinary guidance, many pet owners are convinced that cannabis has improved their animals’ health and well-being, based on their own observations.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are divided on a bill that would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for people convicted of crimes including drug possession, assaulting a police officer and distributing child pornography.

Senators on Tuesday began debating the measure proposed by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha. He says mandatory minimum penalties prevent judges from using discretion when sentencing.

Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha says mandatory minimums discourage good behavior. Mandatory minimums allow prisoners to serve their full sentence and leave prison without participating in rehabilitative programs.

Opponents including Sen. Mike Hilgers of Lincoln say crimes now subject to mandatory minimums are serious and deserve harsh penalties. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and other prosecutors also oppose the bill.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A state law that allows Nebraska counties to kill black-tailed prairie dogs on private property if a neighbor complains could be in jeopardy under a bill advanced by a committee.

The Legislature’s Agriculture Committee voted 6-1 on Tuesday to advance the measure for debate.

Black-tailed prairie dogs are native to western Nebraska and considered an important species to maintain the region’s ecological balance, but some ranchers view them as pests because they tear up valuable grassland.

Only Sheridan County in northwest Nebraska has made use of the law, which allows counties to establish management programs for the animals. Landowners are given notice to clear the animals themselves. Those who fail to comply can face fines and have a county-designated manager come onto their property.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force Reserves will qualify for military honor license plates under a new Nebraska law.

Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a measure Tuesday that will create five new military honor license plate designs. Reservists and officers of the United States Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can apply for the plates.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse, says it will honor reservists who have served their country.

The measure also allows military honor plates on vehicles owned by a trust that includes an eligible veteran.

Veterans and active members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard already qualify for military honor plates. They cost as much as standard license plates.

COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — A Platte County judge has ruled that the Nebraska Public Power District doesn’t have to release utility records showing how much it costs to generate electricity.

Private energy developer Gary Aksamit of Aksamit Resource Management filed a document in June 2016 asking judges in three counties to require their electric utilities to disclose costs of generating electricity. Aksamit’s lawyers argued in December that releasing those records would serve public purposes.

Judge Robert Steinke wrote Feb. 28 that the information release wouldn’t serve a public purpose.

Aksamit Resource Management Vice President Michael Matheson argued Monday that there is still a public interest in releasing the records because otherwise “there is no public oversite on public power in Nebraska.”

Utility spokesman Mark Becker says the public power company is “obviously pleased” by the decision.

CHICAGO (AP) — A new study finds fewer overweight Americans have been trying to lose weight in recent years. And researchers wonder if fat acceptance could be among the reasons.

The trend over nearly two decades could also reflect people giving up after repeated failed dieting attempts. It happened as U.S. obesity rates climbed.

Researchers at Georgia Southern University analyzed U.S. government health surveys from 1988 through 2014. More than 27,000 adults aged 20 to 59 were involved.

In the early surveys, about half the adults were overweight or obese. Those numbers climbed to 65 percent by 2014. But the portion of overweight or obese adults who said they were trying to slim down fell from 55 percent to 49 percent.

The results were published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.