Both sides speak on legalization of medical marijuana

LINCOLN — Emotions ran high at the state capitol Jan. 25 as supporters hoped to have Nebraska join the growing list of U.S. states with legalized medicinal marijuana, and opponents argued against the drug’s potential side effects.

A handful of proponents for the bill entered the Warren Legislative Chamber wearing pot leaf T-shirts. Others held signs reading “We are patients, not criminals.” A wagon of pharmaceutical drug containers was left outside the chamber.

One supporter was Shelley Gillen of Bellevue, who spoke on behalf of her son who suffers from multiple types of seizures on a daily basis. She noted marijuana’s relieving effects on her son’s seizures and countered an argument that legalizing medicinal marijuana would lead users to harder drugs. Most of the prescription drugs her son takes regularly are gateway drugs themselves, she said.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://etypeservices.com/Northeast%20Nebraska%20News%20CompanyID379/