$6 million couldn't save campaign to legalize marijuana in Ohio

Warning message

The subscription service is currently unavailable. Please try again later.

Backers of the move to legalize marijuana in Ohio outspent opponents by 10-to-1 and still saw their campaign busted by voters.

Bankrolled almost exclusively by investors in a planned monopoly of 10 growing sites, ResponsibleOhio shelled out $21.8 million, campaign finance reports due Friday show.

In contrast, Ohioans Against Marijuana Monopolies spent $2.17 million.

Put another way, pot advocates spent $18.70 for each vote, opponents spent $1.06.

The proposed constitutional amendment, which also would have allowed individuals to have a small number of home-grown plants, drew opposition from nearly 64 percent of Ohio voters in November’s general election.

Even a late influx of nearly $6 million could not save the push to legalize marijuana. More than a third of that money, $2.25 million, came from RC Operations in Cincinnati, an investor in one of the 10 sites, three of which were in central Ohio.

During that same final couple of...

Rate this article: 
Region: 

This marijuana news is brought to you by 420 Intel. For the latest breaking cannabis industry news, subscribe to the 420 Intel newsletter. If you'd like to promote your product or service in this area after every article, contact us.