That issue banning monopolies from Ohio’s constitution was leading with 53 percent of the statewide vote with about half of precincts reporting.
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Ohio’s all-Republican power structure is largely opposed to legalizing marijuana to the extent proposed this fall.
The proposal to legalise marijuana in the U.S. state of Ohio has been rejected by a two-third majority in Tuesday’s (3 November) voting.
This story has been corrected to show Ohio is the only state with a ballot question Tuesday on legalizing marijuana, not the only state with a pot-related question. Meanwhile BBC reports that marijuana legalization will also affect its accessibility since marijuana, including pot-infused candies and other related products, will be available for purchase in stores.
Campaign director Ian James assured supporters at a downtown Columbus gathering that the fight was not over, calling Tuesday’s defeat “a bump in the road”. Ohioans still need treatment and deserve compassionate care.
Several celebrities backed Issue 3, including Nick Lachey, who grew up in Cincinnati and was an investor in the plan. “But I don’t think 10 people should have a monopoly”.
Sri Kavuru, president of the marijuana legalization group Ohioans to End Prohibition, said a separate amendment could be placed before voters in next year’s general election.
Cheryl Davis, 46, who voted in Cleveland, said she uses marijuana to help alleviate chronic pain in her back and voted in favor of legalization. A second initiative, known as Issue 2, passed by a narrow margin, effectively nullifying Issue 3 by prohibiting constitutional amendments establishing economic monopolies.
Although Ohio has a huge number of college students and a liberal middle class – both demographics that would be friendly to recreational marijuana use – many rejected the proposal as it was hinged so solidly on the profits and business side of legalizing marijuana. “This may be unlikely though, because in a state like Ohio during this specific time it takes a large amount of money and lots of conviction to get a Cannabis amendment on the ballot”.
Four other states – Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington – and the District of Columbia allow for the legal recreational use of marijuana.
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Around 24 states, including California, Arizona, New York, Maryland and Vermont, allow the use of the substance for medical purposes.
