The Nebraska Legislature’s General Affairs Committee is currently considering an amendment to LB 677 that would restrict access to medical marijuana. This amendment aims to prohibit cannabis flower, a popular form of the drug, and would also exclude post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the list of qualifying medical conditions.
On Monday, a group of veterans gathered at the Capitol Rotunda to urge lawmakers to reconsider this amendment. They emphasized that cannabis can significantly assist individuals in coping with the challenges associated with military service. Benjamin Marksmeier, a wounded veteran, expressed that denying medical cannabis options is inhumane, noting the excessive amount of opioids he had to take for pain management. He highlighted that medical cannabis presents fewer risks while offering greater benefits.
Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, the organization that led the successful ballot initiative with over two-thirds voter support in November, voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendment. Crista Eggers, the director of the group, stressed the importance of ensuring that patients have access to necessary treatments, stating, “We will not concede to leaving people out, to making this more difficult for patients to access.” She affirmed their commitment to honoring the voters’ will, regardless of legislative decisions.
Senator Rick Holdcroft, chair of the General Affairs Committee, indicated that the amendment would jeopardize the bill’s chances of passing. He mentioned that the bill likely wouldn’t secure enough votes to move forward if it included provisions for cannabis flower and PTSD as qualifying conditions. The committee is expected to meet again on Thursday to further discuss the issue.
