Three weeks after Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved medical marijuana the state moved a step closer to allowing it Tuesday when a judge ruled that the petitions that put the question on the ballot were valid.

A Nebraska district court judge has ruled in favor of two medical marijuana legalization initiatives that voters approved in this month’s election.

While state officials are likely to appeal, the decision lets activists and supporters begin moving forward on the market.

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

Nebraska is inching closer to permitting medical marijuana after Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong affirmed the validity of the petitions that put it on the ballot, where it was approved by voters.

There were not enough invalid petition signatures to void the outcome of two medical marijuana initiatives in Nebraska, Judge Susan I. Strong determined.

This article has been updated with details from the court ruling and comment from some of the the parties involved. LINCOLN — A Lancaster County District Court judge has dismissed major legal challenges against Nebraska’s two medical cannabis petitions,