Voters in Nebraska appear to have overwhelmingly passed a pair of medical marijuana measures, highlighting an uptick in conservative support for the issue. The deeply red Cornhusker State saw 63 percent of voters pick Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump; a whopping 71 percent reportedly voted in favor of legalizing medical cannabis.
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Initiative 437, also known as The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, would allow qualifying patients to possess up to five ounces of cannabis. It would also ensure both patients and their physicians would not be prosecuted for their decision to consume or recommend the plant.
The partner ballot measure is Initiative 438, a.k.a. The Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. If enacted, the bill would create the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, tasked with establishing the state’s marijuana market.
Ballot measure sponsors Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana failed to get similar initiatives on the ballot in previous years. The State Supreme Court struck down its last attempt. Nebraska Governor Jim Pellin is opposed to reform.
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John Mueller, co-founder and CEO of multi-state operator Greenlight, hopes to expand his business to the state and be among the first to bring regulated medical marijuana to patients.
“Today’s decision by Nebraska voters marks the end of unnecessary delays and the beginning of a modern medical cannabis program rooted in proven healthcare practices,” Mueller said in a statement sent to GreenState. “This program will transform lives in Nebraska, creating professional opportunities while ensuring patients receive thoroughly tested, regulated medicine.”
A trial challenging the initiatives may not come for weeks, potentially making the vote a moot point. Attorneys for the plaintiff, former state senator John Kuehn, are challenging the validity of several thousands of certified signatures that landed the measures on the ballot. Advocates hope the challenge is struck down; if not, it’ll be back to the drawing board for the 2026 midterm election.
