Yvonne Wingett Sanchez

The Republic | azcentral.com

Discount Tire Co. quietly donated $1 million to the campaign opposing the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, prompting calls for a boycott by some who want the drug legal through Proposition 205.

The tire company chain was founded by Bruce Halle, who lives in Paradise Valley and has an estimated net worth of $6.3 billion, according to Forbes' 2016 list of richest Americans. A spokesman for the company did not respond Monday to The Republic's inquiry about the donation. Halle is an ally of Gov. Doug Ducey, who is raising money to oppose Prop. 205.

Prop. 205 asks Arizona voters to decide whether marijuana should be legal for adults to use in private, transport and grow it in their homes. The measure would create a retail system in Arizona that would be regulated and taxed by the state. The measure creates more lenient penalties for most marijuana violations.

Discount Tire's donation, posted on the Secretary of State's website, is the No on Prop. 205's largest. The disclosure prompted a backlash from supporters of marijuana legalization, who encouraged voters to call the company to complain about the donation, and to withhold their business.

"Really Discount Tire? Maybe we should re-think our decision next time a tire blows out," said one Facebook post.

Another, by Prop. 205 advocate Lisa Olson, ripped the company for siding "with Big Pharma, in keeping cannabis illegal, helping the black market to thrive" and "denying a revenue resource for our public schools..."

She was referring to the $500,000 donation to No on 205 campaign by a Chandler pharmaceutical company that makes the painkiller fentanyl.

"Here we have one natural substance that’s never taken a life, and they are taking money from the makers of someone who makes opioids ... we're all beside ourselves, and that's why we're calling for a boycott," said Kathy Inmam, executive director of MomForce AZ and Prop. 205 supporter.

She added: "I'm sure Discount Tire is doing this as an advertising mechanism in Arizona — to look like the good guys — like they're anti drug."

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Barrett Marson, a spokesman for the Yes on 205 campaign said the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is not involved in pushing for a boycott of the tire company.

Earlier this year, the tire chain faced calls for a boycott after several stores posted signs in their windows to "Re-Elect Sheriff Joe Arpaio."

The Marijuana Policy Project, a national group that has helped lead efforts elsewhere to legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use, is a primary funder of Yes on 205. MPP and its related foundation have given about $1 million to the legalization campaign.

Also, the owners of various medical marijuana dispensaries and marijuana-related businesses have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars. They could benefit from a recreational program since medical marijuana dispensaries get the first shot at obtaining retail licenses.

Follow the reporter on Twitter and Facebook. Reach her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4712.