It’s been over four months since LB 474 became introduced in the Nebraskan Congress. It would establish the Medicinal Cannabis Act. Qualifying patients can purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis from licensed dispensaries. However, the upcoming debate will be an intense one, involving a filibuster, cloture, and a gubernatorial veto.

Defining Procedure

LB 474 is expected to receive a filibuster in the upcoming debate, much like Alabama saw when their medical cannabis bill hit the full House floor. A filibuster is a way for lawmakers to halt a vote or discussion of a bill by making long winded speeches or trying to answer theoretical questions to take up time. Alabama received a filibuster lasting almost 10 hours before the clock ran out and a vote could not be cast. Nebraska will most likely see the same.

However, there are 33 lawmakers who are for a cloture. This procedure is the only way lawmakers can place a time limit on a bill’s consideration and overcome a filibuster. It’s the only way to end an argument or long winded, unnecessary speech, that is just taking up time. Once a time limit is set, a vote will be cast. The clock cannot run out. 

If the bill does make it to Governor Ricketts’ (R) desk, it will most likely receive a veto. The Nebraska governor has been adamantly against any sort of legalization of cannabis within the state. Even making public speeches about his opposition. If he does veto the bill, 30 lawmakers would need to vote against the veto to make the bill a law without the governor’s approval. If it comes down to it, Republican party members will have to vote against their Republican governor to make LB 474 a law.

Future

Senator Anna Wishart (D) sponsored the bill and took to Twitter to express her excitement. The Nebraska medical cannabis bill finally made its way to a full chamber discussion. But the bill has a long way to go before it can make it to the people in need. 

In the meantime, efforts continue across the state to put cannabis legalization on the ballot in the form of a referendum. The vote would be set for 2022. But activists fear the referendum will fail. Voters don’t typically come out on non-presidential vote years. But one thing is for sure, a form of the Nebraska medical cannabis bill will make its way into the legislature one way or another.

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