LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker who wants to legalize medical marijuana says his bill would help suffering children, while opponents criticize the measure as too lax.
Lawmakers clashed Thursday over a proposal that would allow doctors to prescribe cannabis to patients with cancer, epilepsy and other chronic illnesses.
Senator Tommy Garrett of Bellevue offered an impassioned case for the legislation, arguing that advocates may place the issue on the 2016 ballot if lawmakers fail to act.
Opponents say Nebraska shouldn't legalize the drug just because other states have, and urged lawmakers to consider the possible consequences.
Senators didn't get to a vote, and could resume debate Tuesday. Some proposed amendments would prohibit smoking the drug and would not allow marijuana to be prescribed for chronic pain.
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