Here’s What Happens When You Spend $1 Million to Keep Weed Illegal in 2016

by Carey Wedler

Proponents of marijuana legalization have launched a boycott against Discount Tire, a large corporation headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. The boycott began after the company donated $1 million to fight an upcoming ballot measure that, if passed, will legalize the plant for recreational use in the state.

According to the Phoenix New Times:

“Under Prop 205, it would be legal for adults of drinking age to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, which could be purchased at a state-run system of retail shops or grown in limited quantities for personal use. Possession of more than an ounce up to 2.5 ounces would be a non-arrestable civil offense subject to a $300 fine.”

The proposed change in policy is gaining popularity among Arizonans, nearly half of whom support the initiative. Shortly after Discount Tire (known as America’s Tire in California) made the donation to Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, the campaign group fighting to defeat the proposition, activists called for a boycott of the national brand. Activist Iain Davidson Kathy Inman of MomForce AZ, a group that raises awareness about the dangers of addictive pharmaceuticals and advocates on behalf of cannabis, were among the first to issue calls to consumers to stop doing business with the company.

Inman told Anti-Media she believes Discount Tire is either misinformed about the facts regarding cannabis or potentially attempting to use its donation as a marketing tool to show they are the “good guys” by opposing the legalization of a banned substance. Nevertheless, she stressed the dangers of opposing Prop. 205, especially in light of Big Pharma’s efforts to keep marijuana illegal.

“I appreciate what they’re trying to do,” she said of Discount Tire, “but unfortunately they’re contributing to the worst legal drug ring I’ve ever seen with folks who are ignoring facts about marijuana and opiate use.”

The Times reports the boycott is growing, and the hashtag #BoycottDiscountTire is cropping up in Twitter and Facebook posts. According to Facebook user Brandon Schaeffer:

“Just in this last year alone, I’ve purchased three sets of tires from Discount Tire. I’ve always loved their service and prices. However, I will never do business with them again.

“By supporting Vote No prop 205, you are supporting a racist system that negatively impacts Blacks and Hispanics. A system that makes it harder for veterans to access marijuana to treat PTSD. A system that was created based off of lies and deception. A system that costs taxpayers millions annually. All for what? A green plant that is far less dangerous than alcohol.”

Another user, Matthew Charles Clements Jr., kept it short and to the point: “Officially done getting tires from these tools.#BoycottDiscountTire #ShameOnDiscountTire,” he wrote.

Twitter users also expressed their disapproval of Discount Tire’s stance:

@silver_table We would be glad to help! You can contact our locations directly, or review tire options online https://t.co/rFRFNk7Nci

— Tire Kingdom (@tirekingdom) October 18, 2016

@DiscountTire So disapointed Been buying from u since i was 16 Wife kids & I need tires & will take business elsewhere #boycottDiscountTire pic.twitter.com/DE9P58HYVt

— J O A Q U I N (@JoaquinSherri) October 17, 2016

even my warranty on my very expensive tires wont stop me from going anywhere BESIDES @DiscountTire #BoycottDiscountTire #MarijuanaSavesLives

— Cass A Nova ✩☽ (@cassettya) October 18, 2016

@discounttire Always enjoyed your service but I will will shop at @tire_rack from now on. #boycottdiscounytire

— AlexGaskey (@AlexGaskey) October 18, 2016

Sadly, @DiscountTire hates both veterans and freedom. https://t.co/tJXbj4eDDj #BoycottDiscountTire#ShameOnDiscountTire

— Peter Cox (@Xenophore) October 18, 2016

@DiscountTire Just lost a lifetime customer. https://t.co/NPetwuRCJX #boycottdiscounttire

— Creddy (@creddy) October 17, 2016

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