Ohio Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Issue 3

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]A[/dropcap]ll eyes were on Ohio yesterday as voters rejected the initiative that would’ve legalized medical and recreational cannabis in one step. Why on earth would cannabis smokers themselves reject a measure that legalizes cannabis? Voters explained.

Ohioans who’ve been waiting for the liberation of cannabis their whole lives were surprised to find themselves voting against it. “I can’t believe I voted no when it was finally on the ballot,” said Marty Dvorchak, 62, told ABC5. “I think it’s ridiculous that marijuana is illegal.” Voters expressed the sentiment that even the continuation of cannabis prohibition is better than the monopoly Issue 3 presented.

Issue 3 would’ve not only legalized cannabis in Ohio, but it would’ve made a handful of 10 potential licensees like Nick Lachey millions. Lachey, however, exhibited good sport. “While I may not agree, the people of Ohio have spoken and that’s the way it’s supposed to work. Change takes time,” Lachey tweeted.

While I may not agree, the people of Ohio have spoken and that's the way it's supposed to work. Change takes time. #democracy #respect

— Nick Lachey (@NickLachey) November 4, 2015

According to Cleveland.com, 1,073,587 voted YES and 1,923,899 voted NO— almost a two-to-one ratio. A last-minute attempt by ResponsibleOhio to extend the voting period an extra 90 minutes proved futile.

Issue 3 was plagued by the same problems that Proposition 19 in California faced— internal opposition. After spending more than $25 million on Issue 3, ResponsibleOhio vows to draft up a new initiative. Reportedly, most of the campaign money came from the potential license holders. “We’re going to make sure we provide that legal marijuana for Ohio and that we do so starting tomorrow,” Ian James, executive director of ResponsibleOhio, said. “This does not end. People are counting on us and we cannot let them down.”