Eggers got involved when her son Colton, who suffers from epilepsy was diagnosed and medicine available did not seem to help combat the boys seizures.
Eggers spoke to about a dozen audience members at Smiley Bee Coffee & Sweet Shop in Falls City Wednesday evening outlining the history of the effort to legalize medical marijuana and explaining where the road blocks are to complete the task.
Eggers said the effort to legalize medical cannabis began back in 2014 when patients, caregivers and parents identified Nebraska lacked in medical cannabis access.
Following years of attempts to get the proposal on the ballot, it was overwhelmingly approved by Nebraska voters in 2024, with more than 70 percent of those casting votes in favor.
Despite the overwhelming vote to pass medical marijuana, Eggers said there are factions at the state and federal level fighting against the use. The opposition includes Senator Pete Ricketts, Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Attorney General and the Nebraska Legislature who have taken a hands-off approach.
Although you cannot legally access medical marijuana in Nebraska, Eggers pointed out that it is legal to possess medical cannabis with written recommendations from a health care provider. LB-437 passed by voters in 2024 was signed into law by the Governor which allows possession of up to 5 ounces of cannabis in any form with a written recommendation from a medical provider.
Even with possession being legal, there is currently no way for those who need medical cannabis to access it legally in Nebraska.
Eggers has traveled the entire state in her efforts and says response has been very positive no matter the size of the community they visit. She says people are angry and continuing to suffer without access to the product.
Eggers concluded with a message for Nebraska voters to cast ballots for individuals who will represent you and what you care about. She said the Governor, Senator Ricketts and the Attorney General and legislators are not representing what their constituents have voted for.
Eggers urges those who support the use of medical cannabis in Nebraska to write, call or email you state senator, the Governor's office, the Attorney General and Federal delegates as well as the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.
