Pharmaceutical Company Donates $500,000 to Fight Cannabis Legalization in Arizona

Insys Therapeutics is the latest donor to oppose Prop 205, which is Arizona’s campaign to legalize recreational cannabis this November. Insys Therapeutics manufactures Syndros, which is an orally administered liquid of a synthetic form of THC that has been approved by the FDA. They also are the manufacturer of Subsys, a controversial opioid spray that is prescribed to cancer patients.

According to reports that were filed with Arizona’s Secretary of State Office, this painkiller manufacturing company donated $500,000 to Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, which is the organization leading the fight against recreational cannabis legalization in Arizona.

J.P. Holyoak is the Chair of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, and his group has significantly supported Proposition 205. In a press release by Yes on 205,  Holyoak stated, “We are truly shocked by our opponents’ decision to keep a donation from what appears to be one of the more unscrupulous members of Big Pharma. You have a company using profits from the sale of what has been called ‘the most potent and dangerous opioid on the market’ to prevent adults from using a far less harmful substance.”

Insys Therapeutics not only creates a dangerous opioid, but they are manufacturing and profiting off synthetic THC, which in itself proves the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Holyoak’s statement continued, “Our opponents have made a conscious decision to associate with this company. They are now funding their campaign with profits from the sale of opioids–and maybe even the improper sale of opioids.”

Holyoak urged Arizonans to be aware of where the funding of the anti-cannabis campaign is coming from—the pharmaceutical industry.