Nebraska Board of Pharmacy members heard more than an hour of testimony Monday from proponents of legalizing medical marijuana. Dr. Alan Worth, a Lincoln family practice physician, and others testified they would like to see the board recommend the Legislature make cannabis legal for medical purposes. "You can provide a professional and scientific starting point," Worth said. But the five board members weren't ready Monday to make a recommendation either way, they said. In February, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy recommended to state lawmakers marijuana be reclassified from a Schedule I to a Schedule II drug. Schedule II drugs have acceptable medical uses for treatment, whereas Schedule I drugs are determined to have no proven medical use and a high potential for abuse. [continues 438 words]
While Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady and Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner had the attention of three governing boards, they wanted to drive home a point: Methamphetamine use should be a major concern for the residents of Lincoln and Lancaster County. Violent crime, including several recent homicides, have been intertwined with meth use, the two told members of the County Board, City Council and Lincoln Board of Education at a joint meeting Friday morning. The rapid increase in thefts from automobiles, with a loss of more than $2 million last year, is linked with the drug. Forgeries - up 33 percent - and frauds - - up 21 percent - are linked. [continues 514 words]
