Nebraska medical marijuana legalization is closer to reality after judge’s ruling but an appeal is likely

A judge’s ruling Tuesday moved Nebraska one step closer to legalizing medical marijuana. At issue was whether proponents followed the law in gathering signatures to put legalization on the Nov. 5 ballot.

This is a developing story and will be updated. LINCOLN — A Lancaster County District Court judge has dismissed major legal challenges against Nebraska’s two medical cannabis petitions, although the ruling is likely to be appealed.