Arizona Billionaire Donates $1 Million to Fight Cannabis Legalization

Arizona’s Proposition 205, which aims to legalize recreational cannabis in the state, has a new rival— and unfortunately it’s the state’s wealthiest citizen.

Bruce Halle, owner of Discount Tires, has donated $1 million in the fight against cannabis legalization. It’s a move that could alienate half of Arizona voters, a good portion of which purchase tires.  This isn’t the first time Halle has put his company in the line of fire though. In August his stores posted “Re-Elect Sheriff Joe Arpaio” signs despite Arpaio’s pending discrimination case and clashes with the Latino community.

With his donation Halle, and Discount Tires, have become the largest backers against Prop. 205, with machinery company Empire Southwest’s $200,000 donation following suit. According to Forbes, Halle is worth $6.3 billion, and the 900 Discount Tires generate $4.2 billion annually.

“We are disappointed Discount Tire has made the decision to support marijuana prohibition,” the Prop. 205 campaign said in a written statement in response to New Times’s request for comment. “But for the next two weeks, we will continue to educate Arizonans about the benefits of ending prohibition and taxing and regulating marijuana sales to adults.”

Currently, only Arizona residents with a doctor’s recommendation and a state-issued identification card can purchase up to two ounces of cannabis every two weeks. If passed Prop. 205 would allow residents to grow, buy and possess up to an ounce of cannabis for all adults 21 and over.

While $1 million does not guarantee a victory for Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, it will allow them to purchase additional ads that may sway undecided voters in a relatively tight race. Arizona joins California, Nevada, Maine and Massachusetts with recreational initiatives on the ballot next month.  If voting goes according to polling, this could be the biggest year to date for recreational cannabis.