Imagine a world where a '90s boy-band heartthrob, a fashion designer, a couple former athletes and the great-great grandnephews of the 27th President of the United States share something in common.
No, this is not the newest cast for an upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars." This rather peculiar group of famous and influential individuals are making headlines for a different reason: ending marijuana prohibition in the state of Ohio.
Ohio is the newest state to make waves in the "growing" legalization movement. After Tuesday's Election Day, however, Ohio voters rejected to legitimize recreational and medicinal marijuana use in the state.
If Issue 3 had passed, the Buckeye State would have become fifth in the U.S. to legalize recreational cannabis following Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, as well as Washington, D.C.
What is more surprising than Issue 3 not passing are the people endorsing the legalization. An unlikely cast of washed up characters were in the news prior to Election Day, being recognized as investors who would take part in the 10 farms commercially allowed to produce marijuana.
Celebrity supporters included 98 Degrees front-man Nick Lachey, fashion designer Nanette Lepore, NFL defensive end Frostee Rucker, former NBA point guard Oscar "Big O" Robertson, in addition to great-great grandnephews of President William Taft- Woody and Dudley Jr., who would have greatly profited from the legalization. All are a part of the investment group that had it been approved, would have been given the option to buy a 29-acre farm in Hudson, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, to be used as a dispensary, according to CNN Money.
Lachey, especially, took a prominent role in encouraging Ohioans to end marijuana prohibition. The Cincinnati native and former host of VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live," released a PSA endorsing the idea that legalizing marijuana and supporting Issue 3 will "Make Ohio a Better Place to Live and Work."
In short, Ohioans did not vote to pass the legalization of marijuana, but that is just the first "bud" in the growth that is legalization. These "investors" (that also sound like a modern, wealthy, remake of "The Breakfast Club"), are taking an unorthodox approach to endorsements that may become the new normal. Sure some celebrities have their own alcohol brands, indoor electrically-heated appliances (i.e. George Foreman Grills), and fragrances; but, more importantly, the passing of Issue 3 would have opened doors for even more influential personalities to add "Weed Kingpin" to their already lengthy resumes.
We accept the fact that Issue 3 did not pass, but what the people in the state of Ohio found is
...a '90s boy-band heartthrob,
...a fashion designer,
...an NFL defensive end,
...a retired NBA point guard,
and
...the great-great grandnephews of President Taft
had high hopes in legalizing marijuana.
"Does that answer your question?"
Sincerely yours,
The Afternoon Munchies Club
