As more and more states reconsider their stance on cannabis, from medical marijuana to full legalization for adults, it creates a domino effect that asks the rest of the nation to reconsider.
Nebraska remains one of the few states with zero cannabis legalization laws and according to Marijuana Moment, will remain so until at least next session.
The proposed marijuana legislation
Some senators in Nebraska’s unicameral legislature proposed new legislation designed to allow patients with qualifying conditions to purchase and possess cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
These senators cited the racist and political origins of the federal prohibition and implored the legislature to look to the signatures of the public as proof that Nebraska’s citizens want medical access to cannabis.
The motion failed when the legislature could not get 33 senators to overturn the filibuster halting it.
Notably, this legislation would allow patients to purchase and possess marijuana — it would not allow them to smoke it though.
The current marijuana law
Despite the changing legislation around Nebraska and these current initiatives, it is important to understand the current laws until any of them change.
Possession laws are as follows:
- First offense under one ounce – $300 fine with a course requirement
- Second offense under one ounce – Class IV misdemeanor with penalties of $400 and up to five days in jail
- Third offense under one ounce – Class IIIA misdemeanor with penalties of $500 and up to seven days in jail.
- Over one ounce – Class IIIA misdemeanor with penalties of $500 and up to three months in jail
- Over one pound – Class IV felony costing $10,000 and up to five years in jail
These charges still affect people in deep and lasting ways and there are defense solutions that may help reduce fines, jail time and any permanent detriment to their records.
