Yesterday, Nebraska lawmakers effectively killed LB 474, legislation that would have established one of the most conservative medical cannabis programs in the country. Though a bipartisan majority of state senators voted to end a filibuster and allow the bill to proceed, it ultimately came up two votes short of meeting the necessary threshold.

It’s time to act. Over the past several months, families and patient advocates have been urging state legislators to approve a compassionate medical cannabis law in Nebraska. Now the time has come, and tomorrow, members of the Unicameral will debate and ultimately decide the fate of LB 474, which would legalize medical cannabis for patients with serious health conditions.

Last night, I was on a Facebook Live event with Nebraskan Families for Medical Cannabis, a coalition of patients and parents of children with epilepsy who are fighting to pass a medical cannabis law in Nebraska. Hearing their stories drives home why it’s so important for every Nebraskan to contact their state senator about medical cannabis.

Earlier this year, Sen. Anna Wishart introduced LB 474, which would establish a well regulated, compassionate medical cannabis program in Nebraska for patients with serious health conditions. This Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. CT, the Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the bill.

Yesterday, Nebraska Families for Medical Cannabis held a powerful and emotional press conference at the State Capitol building. Parents and patients called on the Unicameral to pass LB 474, which would establish a compassionate medical cannabis program for patients like Will Gillen, who experiences multiple severe seizures every day.