Smart Approaches to Marijuana of Virginia has donated $150,000 to the newly formed Healthy and Productive Michigan organization – a group fighting a potential ballot initiative to legalize cannabis in Michigan, the Detroit News reports. Kevin Sabet, SAM co-founder, indicated this is just the first donation to the prohibitionist group.
“Michigan is a priority because it’s been targeted by the pot industry. They see it as an opportunity to make a lot of money. We’re very concerned about what more marijuana use would mean for Michigan families, kids, the workplace and businesses.” Sabet to the Detroit News
Comparatively, however, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has so far outraised its opponents, reporting $651,486 in direct contributions for 2017, the vast majority – $549,238 – coming from within the state. Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project has contributed more than $174,000 in services and cash to the group.
Josh Hovey, the legalization campaign spokesman, pointed out that the prohibitionist groups have yet to report any donations from in-state sources.
“We’ll have to work hard to get the truth out there and make sure people have the facts. When the facts are out there, the only choice people will make is yes.” – Hovey to the News
A January Detroit News/WDIV poll found 56.6 percent support for cannabis legalization among Michigan voters.
Get daily cannabis business news updates. Subscribe
End
