A judge’s ruling Monday 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.

Despite pro-marijuana groups spending millions, voters in red and blue states rejected marijuana and psychedelic legalization ballot measures, indicating that drug legalization is unpopular and bad policy, and that marijuana use is increasing and leading to health issues and addiction.

The Lancaster County District Court ruled the decision by Nebraska voters to legalize medical marijuana this election cycle should stand. The court released its judgment in a trial Tuesday afternoon,

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.