Two advocate groups in Nebraska have already filed petitions and started collecting signatures for potential ballot initiatives in 2018, the Lincoln Journal Star reports. One measure would eliminate all penalties for possession of small amounts of cannabis, while another aims to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Both have been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.
The petition by Mark Elworth Jr., the state chairman for Legal Marijuana Now political party, would eliminate possession penalties for people caught with less than an ounce of cannabis while keeping the current laws for drug dealers. Marijuana is technically decriminalized in the state. Under Elworth’s plan, however, the current penalties — a $300 fine and possible jail time — would be abolished.
Nebraska Attorney General Dough Peterson, who led a lawsuit against Colorado over legalization, said he does not support the petition claiming ‘legalizing’ an ounce of marijuana would “send the wrong message” that the drug is harmless, and puts the youth at risk.
The details of the amendment proposal were not available; however, advocates in May backed off of a plan to petition for medical marijuana this election. According to the report, supporters of the plan are starting early so they have plenty of time to collect signatures.