× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

LINCOLN — As expected, a legislative committee on Friday advanced a proposal to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska.

The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee advanced Legislative Bill 622, sponsored and prioritized by State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, 6-1.

The bill is sure to be controversial when it reaches the floor. It also faces opposition from Gov. Pete Ricketts, who was against a similar measure last year.

Wishart said supporters will have to work hard to educate lawmakers about how the medical cannabis program would operate.

“I’m optimistic that members will listen to their constituents who are desperately asking them to legalize this form of treatment,” she said.

At a committee hearing Wednesday, the bill drew the support of military veterans and the mother of a child with a severe seizure disorder. Opponents included Col. Brad Rice, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, and a representative from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.