Drug Money

George Soros Spends $1 Million on Marijuana

Billionaire joins legalization fight in California.

California’s campaign to legalize marijuana is heating up late in the game, thanks in part to several high-profile donors. Billionaire financier George Soros put $1 million toward the measure, Proposition 19, shortly after writing an op-ed in support of it for The Wall Street Journal. According to the executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, the organization Soros donated to, for Soros “it’s it's not been about legalization per se, but about rolling back the drug war.” Other high-profile backers include Men’s Wearhouse CEO George Zimmer, who gave $50,000, and Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel, who gave $70,000. The opposition has just joined the fight as well, with the Chamber of Commerce taking out a radio ad saying that legalization would threaten workplace safety and harm the state’s economy. But supporters have given more than opponents: $3.8 million, including Soros’ donation, compared to the $300,000 of the opposing campaign.