In a major push back against big-money interests, Ohio voters rejected an investor-backed proposal to legalize marijuana and approved a plan to inoculate the state constitution against future attempts to install business monopolies, according to unofficial results.
Issue 3 was defeated in a stunning landslide of 65 percent to 35 percent, with more than 87 percent of the precincts reporting.
Backers of Issue 3 threw more than $15 million into the campaign to legalize marijuana in the hopes that it would return them exclusive commercial growing rights in a multibillion-dollar industry. Supporters included celebrities such as former boy band member Nick Lachey and basketball star Oscar Robertson.
Opponents operated on just a fraction of that budget but convinced Ohio voters that Issue 3 would corrupt the constitution, unjustly reward wealthy investors and harm children.
"At a time when too many families are being torn apart by drug abuse, Ohioans said no to easy access to drugs and instead chose a path that helps strengthen our families and communities," Republican presidential candidate and Ohio Gov. John Kasich said in a statement.
Recreational marijuana use is legal in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia.
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– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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