A bill that potentially can legalize different forms of medical cannabis in Nebraska passed its first hurdle earlier this week after state senators voted to advance the proposal. The bill, which was initially discussed last week, obtained support among skeptics after senators adopted an amendment that could restrict pot smoking and exclude “chronic pain” from a list of qualifying medical issues.
In the beginning rounds of voting on Legislative Bill 643, also known as the Medical Cannabis Act, lawmakers vote 27-12 to push the bill forward- three voted shy of allowing the state Senate to override a veto by the governor. “Colleagues, we need to be strong, we need to be brave,” stated the author of the bill, republican Sen. Tommy Garrett.”We need to help those that are sick and ailing and out of options.”
In addition, Garret said that legalizing medicinal marijuana in Nebraska was “not about stoners getting high…We are not Colorado, we are not California.” If the bill LB 643 becomes a reality and gets passed that would allow a pharmacist to sell marijuana to qualifying individuals, such as those with epilepsy or cancer. The law is set to go into action in July 2016.
The discussion over medical marijuana legalization in Nebraska has more time than not focused on whether parents of epileptic children should have access to cannabis-derived oil that has minimal THC levels but has been known to help control seizures.
Certain lawmakers warned this past Tuesday that approving the drug without the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s support could have repercussions.”It’s a dangerous position for legislators to practice medicine,” stated Sen. Merv Riepe. His comments echoed earlier statements made by Gov. Pete Ricketts, who has stated he stands in opposition of the bill but has not given insight whether he would veto it if it passes.
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