Ohio marijuana: Voters to decide whether to make drug legal

Image copyrightAP

Image captionThe pro-legalization campaign has spent millions in advertising

Voters in the US state of Ohio could decide to make marijuana legal, joining four other states that have rolled back bans on the drug.

However, the ballot measure stipulates that only 10 sites would be able to grow the plants, raising concerns about whether it would create a monopoly.

In response, state legislators put a measure to voters that seeks to ban monopolies from Ohio's constitution.

That measure, if approved, would nullify any marijuana legalisation.

The backers of the 10 growing sites have many famous names as investors including...

former pop singer Nick Lachey, fashion designer Nanette Lepore and Woody Taft, a descendant of President William Howard Taft.

The legalisation measure would allow for marijuana, pot-infused candies and other related products to be purchased in stores. Home growers could keep up to four flowering marijuana plants.

Image copyrightAP

Image captionMany opponents of legalization fear a monopoly will be created

The pro-legalization campaign has spent at least $12 million on ads but has faced strong opposition from children's hospitals, business organisations and farmers.

Voter turnout was expected be low because the ballot measures are being decided in an off-year election.

Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, along with the District of Columbia, have legalized recreational marijuana.

BBC