Prop 205 Declared Defeated by Campaign Spearheading the Initiative

Proposition 205, which was spearheaded by The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CRMLA) in Arizona, has issued a statement declaring that Prop 205 has been defeated. Although ballots are still being counted as of Tuesday morning, the CRMLA realizes that nearly every remaining uncounted ballot would have be pro-Prop 205 in order for the measure to pass, which is a very unlikely probability.

Prop 205 was narrowly defeated, receiving 1,159,003 votes in favor (48.23%) and 1,244,147 votes against (51.77%), as of Nov. 15, 2016 at 12:45 pm.

CRMLA Chairman J.P. Holyoak commented:

We thank the more than 1 million Arizona voters who cast their ballots in favor of ending the failed policy of marijuana prohibition. We are disappointed the initiative came up short, but we are encouraged by the impressive amount of support it received given this was the first time voters had considered such a proposal. Marijuana has been illegal for decades, so we knew this was going to be an uphill battle. We ran a positive, fact-based campaign that fostered a much-needed public dialogue about this subject, and we are confident it will lend to positive change in the future.

Sadly, adults in Arizona will continue to face felony charges for possessing small amounts of marijuana despite the fact that is less harmful than alcohol. Marijuana will continue to be sold in a criminal market where sales will generate millions of dollars each year for drug cartels instead of our schools. Fortunately, Arizona’s medical marijuana program remains strong and patients will be able to continue safely and legally obtaining marijuana through a regulated system.

This year’s election did not close the book on marijuana prohibition in Arizona, but the writing on the wall could not be clearer. It is too soon to provide any specific details, but we intend to continue fighting in support of sensible marijuana policy reform. Thanks to the gains we made with the Prop. 205 campaign, we are confident that Arizona will be among the next round of states to end prohibition and start regulating marijuana like alcohol.

Arizona’s medical marijuana industry is predicted to quickly bloom as demand for Arizona medical marijuana cards will increase significantly, due to the defeat of Prop 205. Arizona medical marijuana doctors and dispensaries have prepared for the rush of new medical marijuana patients.