ARIZONA ELECTION NEWS

Marijua-no: Prop. 205, Arizona ballot measure to legalize marijuana, fails

Nov 9, 2016, 1:06 AM | Updated: 11:24 am

(AP Photo)...

(AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

PHOENIX — Proposition 205, a ballot measure to legalize marijuana in Arizona, failed to pass during Tuesday’s general election.

Prop. 205, if it would have passed, would have made the consumption, possession and purchase of marijuana legal for those over the age of 21.

The measure’s defeat likely came as a bit of a disappointment to some of its supporters. Early polls had Prop. 205 trailing fairly heavily, but support grew as Election Day approached. However, some felt it stood a chance if young voters turned out to vote.

The argument over the measure was divisive from the word go.

Shortly after Prop. 205 was approved for the ballot, opponents sued to remove it. They said voters received incomplete information about it, among other reasons.

Several local officials opposed it and the campaign received millions in donations, including $500,000 from Las Vegas casino owner Sheldon Adelson.

If Prop. 205 would have passed, money from the drug’s sale would have gone to the state’s school system. But even that proved controversial.

“The [Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee] estimates that we’re looking at about $55 million per year directly to education and that’s a net number,” Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Chairman J.P. Holyoaks told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes recently.

However, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, who opposed Prop. 205, said Holyoaks’ math left out several factors, such as paying for what would have been the Department of Marijuana and funding parts of other agencies. Only then would the remainder of the funds be sent to schools.

Arizona Election News

Axon has been headquartered in Scottsdale since its founding in 1993....

Kevin Stone

Bid to put Axon’s massive Scottsdale apartment plan on 2026 ballot is certified

Axon will need voter approval in 2026 if it still wants to build a massive apartment complex as part of a proposed HQ in Scottsdale, officials said.

7 days ago

Election management systems, Adrian Fontes...

Danny Shapiro

Arizona election management systems overhaul an inexpensive necessity, Fontes says

Updating election management systems is high on the priority list ahead of 2026 for Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.

11 days ago

Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary 2026...

Serena O'Sullivan

New poll finds Andy Biggs is in the lead in 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary

A new poll shows Congressional District 5 Rep. Andy Biggs as the leader in the potential Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary election.

11 days ago

Andy Biggs governor...

Danny Shapiro

Andy Biggs not going to make quick decision on potential run for Arizona governor

Rep. Andy Biggs announced his interest in running for governor of Arizona in 2026 on Tuesday, but don't expect the East Valley Republican to make a decision on his future any time soon.

16 days ago

Andy Biggs Arizona governor...

Danny Shapiro

Andy Biggs files statement of interest to run for Arizona governor in 2026

Rep. Andy Biggs filed a statement of interest on Tuesday to run for Arizona governor in 2026, the first Republican politician in office to do so for the next election cycle.

17 days ago

AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Bill Gates on new teaching gig, election fraud

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, former Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates dishes on his new teaching gig, election fraud.

21 days ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Marijua-no: Prop. 205, Arizona ballot measure to legalize marijuana, fails