LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - Dozens of Nebraskans urged state officials Wednesday to ease proposed restrictions on medical marijuana, but their pleas fell on empty chairs as no commissioners showed up to listen.

The hearing, which started at 1 p.m. and ran for several hours, featured many advocates sharing personal stories and explaining the positive benefits of medical marijuana. However, their frustration was palpable as they addressed an absent Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.

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Nearly a year ago, Nebraskans overwhelmingly approved medical marijuana with 71% of voters supporting two ballot initiatives to legalize and regulate the substance. Since then, the path to implementation has been rocky.

LEGAL CHALLENGES AND

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