Ohio Voters Reject Legalizing Marijuana For Medical, Recreational Use
The rejected ballot initiative was more controversial than pot legalization efforts in other states because it would have essentially written a marijuana oligopoly into Ohio's constitution benefiting the investors backing the measure. Supporters pledge to try again.
The Wall Street Journal:
Measure To Legalize Marijuana In Ohio Is Defeated
Ohio voters rejected a ballot measure Tuesday legalizing marijuana for recreational and medical uses, dealing a blow to pot industry investors looking to build on a series of ballot victories across the country. (Peters, 11/3)
The Washington Post's Wonkblog:
Ohio Just Rejected Legalizing Marijuana. What That Means For The Future Of Pot.
Ohio voters on Tuesday rejected a controversial marijuana legalization measure at the polls in that state. Recent surveys showed support in Ohio for marijuana legalization, but voters balked at the specifics of the ballot initiative, which would have created an oligopoly on marijuana production for a small handful of the initiative's wealthy donors. (Ingraham, 11/3)
Cleveland Plain Dealer:
Issue 3 Backers Pledge To Return With New Marijuana Legalization Measure
They'll be back. The creators of Ohio's failed marijuana legalization issue said Tuesday night they heard the voters and will put a revised plan on the ballot next year. (Borchardt, 11/4)
USA Today/Cincinnati Enquirer:
Ohio Voters Say No To Legalizing Marijuana
Unofficial election results found that the proposed constitutional amendment, known as Issue 3, was defeated 65.1% to 34.8%. Voters did write into the Ohio Constitution a provision known has Issue 2 that prohibits the establishment of a “monopoly, oligopoly or cartel” in the state’s founding document. The ballot issue, which the state legislature wrote expressly to defeat the marijuana language, passed 52.6% to 47.4%. (SAker, 11/3)
The Associated Press:
Ohio Votes Down Legalizing Pot For Medical, Recreational Use
Failure of the proposed state constitutional amendment followed an expensive campaign, a legal fight over its ballot wording, an investigation into petition signatures — and, predominantly, a counter campaign against a network of 10 exclusive growing sites it would have created. It was the only marijuana legalization question on the 2015 statewide ballots. About 65 percent of voters opposed the measure, compared to 35 percent in favor. (Smyth, 11/4)