On Jan. 18, 2018, Sen. Anna Wishart introduced an amendment resolution that would call for Nebraska residents to vote on the legal status of medical cannabis in the November election.

“I’m proud to introduce this constitutional amendment because I believe the voters of Nebraska deserve an opportunity to vote on establishing protections for medical cannabis patients. Tens of thousands of Nebraskans are needlessly suffering because they don’t have access to medical cannabis, including veterans, children, and the terminally ill,” Wishart said, as reported by KWBE.

The resolution, LR293CA, would allow patients to use medical cannabis as a treatment for their ailments. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, the Nebraska Legislature would develop all regulations, rules and laws to ensure the safety of patients using the drug.

“Nebraskans who find that cannabis eases their pain and suffering should not be forced across state lines or treated like criminals,” Wishart said. “I believe that medical cannabis is going to be a reality for Nebraska one day.”

Wishart’s amendment needs 30 votes in the Nebraska legislature in order for it to be placed on the ballot in November.

If the amendment resolution passes in the legislature, Gov. Pete Ricketts would not be able to veto it.

“I’m confident that if on the ballot, Nebraskans will support legalizing a medical cannabis system in our state,” Wishart said.

In addition to the amendment resolution, Wishart introduced LB622, a bill that would legalize medical cannabis, on Jan. 18, 2017, and it has been carried over to the 2018 session; however, if the legislature passes this bill, the governor could veto it.