An effort to legalize recreational marijuana in Nebraska has taken shape with the filing of a constitutional amendment that would establish a right for those 21 and older to use and possess cannabis.
To make the ballot, petitioners must collect valid signatures from 10% of registered voters, which equates to around 123k signatures. Nebraska also requires distribution across the state, with signatures from at least 5% of registered voters in 38 of its 93 counties. The deadline is July 3, 2026.
The initiative, filed by Bill Hawkins of the Nebraska Hemp Company, simply states “All persons twenty-one years of age or older have the right to use all plants in the genus Cannabis.”
Nebraska voters approved medical marijuana in 2024 through two initiatives—one authorizing its use and the other establishing regulations. Both passed overwhelmingly with support above 67%, but have not yet been fully implemented.
The Nebraska’s initiative comes as proponents of legalization are working in both Oklahoma and Florida to place similar measure to a vote in November 2026.
Four other measures unrelated to marijuana have also been submitted for Nebraska’s 2026 ballot, covering tax limits and defining a preborn child as a person. Additionally, voters in 2026 will decide on a legislatively referred measure to expand term limits for state legislators from eight to 12 years.
Signatures for all citizen-led initiatives must be turned in four months ahead of the general election.
