Nebraska Supreme Court upholds medical marijuana initiatives

The Nebraska Supreme Court has unanimously upheld two voter-approved medical marijuana initiatives, rejecting a legal challenge regarding the validity of the petition process. In a 7-0 decision, Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke ruled against arguments from former State Senator John Kuehn, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, and Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who had alleged fraud and “notarial malfeasance” during the signature collection phase.

The court affirmed that the measures had sufficient valid signatures to qualify for the 2024 ballot. One initiative seeks to legalize medical marijuana, while the other establishes the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee industry regulation. While some circulators and notaries faced misdemeanor convictions related to the petition process, the court's ruling ensures the initiatives remain valid for voters.