Nebraska medical marijuana initiatives win in landslide, but legal challenge remains

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Two ballot initiatives allowing medical marijuana coasted to victory Tuesday night in Nebraska.

One of the initiatives legalizes medical cannabis, while the other provides for its regulation.

Initiative 437 had 71% of the vote as of 11:55 p.m., while Initiative 438 had 67%.

The victory was a long-time coming for supporters of medical marijuana, who have tried for several election cycles to get the issue on the ballot.

But the initiatives are not a done deal.

On Monday, a judge heard closing arguments in a trial over the initiatives.

SEE ALSO: Judge won’t block counting of votes on Nebraska medical marijuana initiatives

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office alleges that petition circulators and public notaries committed widespread fraud.

One investigator testified that about 30,000 signatures on each petition were “tainted by notary malfeasance.”

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, the sponsor of the petitions, said there was not widespread fraud.

The judge will not rule in the case until at least Nov. 15.

SEE ALSO: Fraud trial begins for Nebraska medical marijuana petitions