Judge denies request to block Pillen proclamations on medical marijuana initiatives

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A judge won’t prevent Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen from signing two medical marijuana ballot initiatives into law.

On Wednesday, Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong denied a request for a temporary restraining order.

Both initiatives — one legalizing medical marijuana and one setting up a system to regulate it — passed overwhelmingly in November.

SEE ALSO: Judge dismisses charges against notary over Nebraska medical marijuana petitions

The governor is required to issue proclamations declaring them to be state law by Thursday.

But former State Sen. John Kuehn is suing to stop the initiatives from going into effect.

He argues that they are unconstitutional because they conflict with federal law banning marijuana.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska medical marijuana petition circulator pleads guilty in fake signature case

Kuehn asked for a temporary restraining order to block Pillen from signing the proclamations.

Strong did not rule on the merits of the lawsuit but declined to issue a restraining order.

It’s not clear when she will decide the case.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska medical marijuana trial ends

Last month, Strong dismissed another lawsuit from Kuehn over fraudulent signatures and improper notarization on the petitions.

He has appealed that ruling.