Challenge to Validity of Signatures for Medical Marijuana Petitions Dismissed
Nov 27, 2024
Front side of the Hall of Justice in downtown Lincoln. (Jeff Motz/KFOR News)LINCOLN–(KFOR Nov. 27)–It appears for now that the results of the medical marijuana ballot petitions approved by an overwhelming amount of Nebraska voters on Nov. 5 will stand.
Lancaster County District Court Judge Susan Strong on Tuesday made that ruling and dismissed the challenge from former Heartwell State Senator John Kuehn and Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who claimed there were fraudulent signatures received while gathering petitions, but the court said they failed to show enough signatures were invalid.
In the Nov. 5 general election, the first initiative measure 437 to legalize cannabis for medical purposes passed 71% to 29%, while the second to regulate it, initiative 438, was approved 67% to 33%. The results of the election will be certified when the board of canvassers meets next Monday.
Tuesday’s ruling could be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.