The weather seems to be having trouble making up its mind on what it wants to do. It has been very up and down. One of the many concerns we have is Red Flag Warnings being issued by the National Weather Service. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. I would encourage everyone to take the following precautions:

• If you have planned a prescribed burn, immediately cancel the planned operations. Do NOT burn on a red flag day.
• If pulling a trailer, make sure no chains are dragging; sparks from dragging chains can ignite a fire.
• Dispose of cigarettes properly; DO NOT drop lit cigarettes on the ground or throw them out the window.
• Be especially aware when using fire arms or target shooting.
• Avoid mowing the lawn on red flag days.
• Avoid leaving equipment on areas with dry vegetation.
• Avoid parking vehicles on dry vegetation. It is best to park on bare soil or paved surfaces.
• Make sure chainsaws and other equipment have spark arrestors.
• Pay attention to other restrictions such as no open fires.
• Avoid using charcoal or gas grills on red flag days.

All residents and visitors need to be extremely cautious during periods of high fire danger. One spark can lead to a large, damaging wildfire. (Nebraska Forest Service. (2017) Red Flag Warning: Critical fire weather conditions. [Brochure] Retrieved October 2, 2024, from https://shorturl.at/2zn1J) A huge shout out to our local firefighters and first responders as they do such a great job in responding to the call and helping keep our communities safe. I would be remiss in not recognizing the farmers for bringing their own equipment to help fight the fires as well.

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12 and this year’s campaign “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. Some key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines are 1) Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway) and on each level (including the basement) of the home; 2) Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button; 3) Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested; and 4) Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. (NFPA Fire Prevention Week (FPW) (2024) nfpa.org. Available at: https://shorturl.at/OLxaI (Accessed: 02 October 2024).

This week I would like to talk about the final two proposed amendments and initiatives that you will see on your ballot. I will cover the ‘Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Initiative’ and the ‘Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Initiative’.

The ‘Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Initiative’ (Initiative Measure 437) says Shall a statute be enacted that makes penalties inapplicable under state and local law for the use, possession, and acquisition of an allowable amount (up to five ounces) of cannabis for medical purposes by a qualified patient with a written recommendation from a health care practitioner, and for a caregiver to assist a qualified patient with these activities? A vote “FOR” will enact the statute and a vote “AGAINST” means such a statute will not be enacted.

Supporters contend that the goal of Initiatives 437 and 438 is to create safe and regulated access to medical cannabis for Nebraska patients with the recommendation of a healthcare practitioner. Initiative 437 provides Nebraskans the ability to possess medical cannabis. Initiative 438 provides the regulatory framework. The National Academies of Sciences released a report that reviewed overt 10,000 academic studies. It found substantial evidence that cannabis is effective in treating chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and PTSD. Research also indicates effectiveness in treating epileptic seizures and autism. A 2015 study compared cannabis to many other commonly used substances. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) confirms “[N]o deaths from overdose of marijuana have been reported.” Compared to many prescription drugs, cannabis is safer and less addictive.

Opponents contend that the Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Initiative contradicts federal law by legalizing cannabis in all forms, including marijuana, hashish, and concentrates, and the possession of drug paraphernalia. State and local laws cannot restrict the use, possession, or acquisition of cannabis in the workplace, schools, or any private or public space. While a medical professional must provide a certification of a medical condition, it is not a prescription, nor is it to be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. The individual obtaining the certificate to possess and use cannabis does not have to be a patient of the certifying medical provider, nor are there restrictions on the type, dose, or frequency of administration. Basic patient protections such as safety, purity, or efficacy of the product are not required.

The ‘Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Initiative’ (Initiative Measure 438) says Shall a statute be enacted that makes penalties inapplicable under state law for the possession, manufacture, distribution, delivery, and dispensing of cannabis for medical purposes by registered private entities, and that establishes a Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate such activities? A vote “FOR” will enact the statute and a vote “AGAINST” means such a statute will not be enacted.

Supporters contend the same view as for Initiative Measure 437.

Opponents contend that The Medical Cannabis Regulation Initiative legalizes a commercial cannabis industry in Nebraska in contradiction to current federal law. The initiative will facilitate possession and the commercial manufacture, distribution, delivery and dispensing of cannabis in all forms, including marijuana, hashish, and derivatives. The initiative allows the establishment of businesses and use of business equi9pment for the industrial production of any cannabis product for ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing the drug into the body, with no restriction on production for medical purposes only. In addition, the initiative creates a new government agency, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, whose appointed board will oversee the newly legalized cannabis industry in Nebraska. This new government entity is granted the power to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations.

As always, I invite you to let me know your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or suggestions by calling my office at (402) 471-2716 or emailing me at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.