It’s been a long time coming, but medical marijuana could finally appear on Nebraska’s ballot in November 2020.

Currently, there is no medical marijuana program of any type in Nebraska. After a number of unsuccessful attempts to rectify the situation, that may soon change.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana reported last week it will deliver more than 182,000 signatures gathered across the state supporting a ballot initiative to enable patients access to medical marijuana as recommended by their physician or nurse practitioner.

In Nebraska, the number of signatures for an initiated constitutional amendment to qualify for the ballot is 10 percent of registered voters as of the deadline for filing signatures, which was July 2. The signatures collected for the initiative will now need to be verified.

The campaign kicked off back in late 2018.

“Today represents a huge step forward for thousands of Nebraskans who deserve compassion,” said  Co-chair of the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign committee, State Senator Anna Wishart. “We are confident that we’ve met the requirements for ballot qualification, and after seeing the outpouring of support for our petition, we’re even more confident that Nebraska’s voters will approve this initiative in November.”

The result was quite an achievement, particularly given the coronavirus pandemic that impacted on signature collection said President of Heartland Strategy Group Barry Rubin, which led the signature gathering effort.

“But the dedication of our petition circulators, along with the passionate support for this issue from Nebraskans of all backgrounds, propelled us forward.”

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana officially suspended volunteer and paid signature gathering efforts on March 19, 2020 but resumed activity in May.

The ballot measure would not only allow adults to purchase, possess and use marijuana, but also produce it. Those under eighteen years of age will also be able to use marijuana to alleviate a serious medical condition with the recommendation of a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, and permission of a parent or legal guardian. The amendment would also authorize creation of a regulated system for producers, testing laboratories, and dispensaries.

Further information on the ballot measure and its progress can be viewed on BallotPedia. A final decision as to whether it will be included on the ballot is expected by mid-August.