In August, Arizona’s recreational marijuana initiative received the official go-ahead to appear on the 2016 ballot. Pictured: Selections of sativa and indica dominant cannabis strains on display at The Colfax Pot Shop, an adult-use marijuana dispensary on Colfax Ave in Denver. (Vince Chandler, The Denver Post)

Arizona recreational marijuana vote 2016: Voters reject Proposition 205

Published: • Updated:

By Cannabist Staff and Wire Reports

Election 2016: Get updates on the nine states with marijuana ballot measures

Arizona voters have rejected legalized recreational marijuana following a multimillion-dollar campaign to defeat it.

Arizona voting results

100 percent precincts reporting

Proposition 205 failed Wednesday after opponents poured millions into fighting recreational pot for adults in the conservative state on the border with Mexico.

The measure drew donations from local businesses and out-of-state magnates such as casino owner Sheldon Adelson, who contributed $500,000.

Supporters of legal pot said it would have eliminated black markets, freed up police and raised money for K-12 schools.

Opponents said legalization would increase drug trafficking because growers in Arizona can sell to states where it’s illegal. They warned of an increase in teen use and deadly car crashes tied to marijuana.