Morfeld, in comments to The World-Herald, said that Ricketts and Peterson ought to be more concerned about how to implement cannabis for medicine rather than voicing opposition.

“Nebraskans overwhelmingly support this,” the senator said.

Ricketts and Peterson have said that there is no medical proof that marijuana is an effective and safe remedy, and both expressed concerns that legalizing cannabis as medicine was the first step toward allowing it for recreational purposes. They, along with Osborne, have pointed to negative impacts in Colorado, where cannabis is legal for both recreation and medicine.

Morfeld, in his letter, suggested debates in Omaha, Lincoln and a place selected by the governor and attorney general in “greater Nebraska.”

He and Wishart are among 14 co-sponsors of LB 110, which would allow Nebraska to join 32 states that have legalized cannabis for medicinal use. The senators are also organizers of an initiative drive to put the medical marijuana issue before state voters in 2020 — a drive they say they will pursue if the Legislature fails to act.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.