LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska’s attorney general said Wednesday that the legislation implementing the medical marijuana petitions goes further than voters intended.
AG Mike Hilgers and several law enforcement officials claimed that Amendment 1251 to Legislative Bill 677 will allow for recreational cannabis use.
In a letter to Speaker of the Legislature John Arch, they say the amendment “dramatically expands marijuana into nearly every aspect of public life.”
SEE ALSO: ‘We know what we voted for’: Angry Nebraskans address lawmakers on medical marijuana
One of their top concerns is that medical providers would have civil and criminal immunity for recommending marijuana.
While the amendment does restrict what conditions a doctor can prescribe cannabis for, Hilgers said their immunity makes that rule meaningless.
He wrote that it leaves the door “wide open” for recreational use.
The attorney general said doctors’ immunity also puts the public at risk from medical malpractice.
SEE ALSO: Election law complaint filed over challenge to Nebraska medical marijuana ballot initiatives
Hilgers said there is no limit on how much marijuana “registered caregivers” can possess under the amendment.
The letter says that makes them “obvious candidates to become distributors within a cartel’s illegal distribution chain.”
Attorney General Mike Hilgers’ letter to Speaker John Arch
Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, fired back at Hilgers in a statement.
“There is no greater hypocrisy than Attorney General Hilgers urging the Legislature to respect the will of the voters — after actively working to undermine it at the ballot box, in the courts, and within the Legislature itself,” she said. “Attorney General Hilgers’ continued legal challenges and now attempts to manipulate the legislature are among the primary reasons why Nebraskans still lack — and may continue to be denied — legal access to safe, regulated medical cannabis.”
SEE ALSO: Nebraskans express frustrations with lawmakers on People’s Day at the people’s house
Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner was among those who signed onto Hilgers’ letter.
The Nebraska Sheriffs Association and the Police Chiefs Association of Nebraska are also opposing AM 1251.
The amendment was passed by the General Affairs Committee but has not been debated on the floor of the Legislature.
SEE ALSO: Nebraska judge reinstates charges against notary in medical marijuana petition case
In a letter, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and several law enforcement officials say the amendment “dramatically expands marijuana into nearly every aspect of public life.” Read More
