Nebraska lawmakers hold town halls over regulating medical marijuana

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Dozens of voices came together Sunday afternoon in a call to action to lawmakers over a bill community members said they believe is needed more attention.

They talked about LB677, which draws up guidelines for regulating medical marijuana in Nebraska.

“This whole idea medical marijuana leads to recreational is a farce,” Dominic Gillen, of Omaha, said. “It is necessary to make that argument.”

After being stalled in committee, the compromise bill originated with Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair.

For months, Nebraska‘s attorney general has urged lawmakers to do nothing until the courts weigh in again.

But supporters argue the people have spoken since the ballot measure passed overwhelmingly.

Here‘s the compromise. It allows people to use up to 2 ounces of the medical flower, but it can only be vaporized, not smoked.

Out of the 15 medical conditions that qualify to get it, PTSD is not on the list.

“I’m asking the legislature to let me and my doctor make the decision on how that balances out for me,” Angie Philips, of Omaha, said.

Sen. Hansen said hearing and seeing the strong community support goes a long way.

“The whole point of meetings like this and town halls like this is for us as policymakers to bring back in those personal stories we sometimes forget,” Sen. Ben Hansen, said.

Crista Eggers, the head of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said this is a step in the right direction and hopes more lawmakers will consider the voice of the people.

Lawmakers are expected to argue over the bill sometime later this month.

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