By: Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Gov. Pete Ricketts is arguing against a bill to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska, saying the state should wait for a review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Ricketts argued Tuesday that the state should defer to the FDA review process to determine whether the product is safe and effective. Supporters of medical marijuana have argued that the federal government still formally bans the drug and isn’t looking seriously at approval.

Lawmakers are expected to debate a legalization bill this year. In his weekly column, Ricketts argued that any legalization effort outside the federal process puts Nebraskans at risk.

The FDA has not approved marijuana but has allowed one drug with a synthetic version of a substance that is found in marijuana plants.