The York News Times reports
The Nebraska Cannabis Association announced itself last week as the state’s first organization dedicated to lobbying for cannabis policies, advising on regulatory matters and supporting entrepreneurs.
John Cartier, president of the Nebraska Cannabis Association’s board of directors, which organized last week, said Nebraska is one of two states that has not legalized the use of cannabis in some form.
But that may soon change, Cartier added.
“It is not unreasonable to predict that some form of legalization will happen before this decade is done, and with several ballot initiatives planned for 2022, it could come as early as January 2023,” he said.
Two ballot initiatives working in tandem to legalize medical marijuana were filed with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office, and a petition to legalize all uses of marijuana remains on file.
Both are seeking to put the question of legalization before voters next year.
If and when legalization happens, the coalition of businesses and individuals said it will work to develop “a robust, well-regulated cannabis industry” at the Legislature and other rule-making bodies in the state.
The Nebraska Cannabis Association’s board members include:
* Cartier, the director of voting rights for Civic Nebraska and a member of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.
* Andrea Holmes, a professor of chemistry at Doane University who created the state’s first cannabis studies program and co-owner of multiple CBD hemp companies.
* Dr. Amanda McKinney, a physician who practices in Beatrice and Crete and is founder of the Institute for Human and Planetary Health.
* Grant Wistrom, former Husker and NFL defensive lineman who works in mortgage and real estate and currently owns two medical cannabis licenses in Missouri.
