Pot Legalization Loses Top Funder

Billionaire philanthropist Peter B. Lewis addresses the Cuyahoga Community College scholarship luncheon, Oct. 16, 2003, in Cleveland. Lewis, well-known for giving millions to colleges and other charities, has pledged... Billionaire philanthropist Peter B. Lewis addresses the Cuyahoga Community College scholarship luncheon, Oct. 16, 2003, in Cleveland. Lewis, well-known for giving millions to colleges and other charities, has pledged more than $12 million to groups trying to defeat President Bush's re-election bid. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) MORE LESS
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Back on November 21st I was in DC and I got into a conversation about the marijuana legalization movement and some of its more unexpected dimensions. It wasn’t a major part of the discussion but one thing I learned was that the bulk of the money funding the movement – from medical marijuana to decriminalization to full legalization – came from one guy, Peter B. Lewis, the CEO of Progressive Insurance.

He reportedly contributed between $40 and $60 million to the effort over the last 30 years. I just found out that he died two days later. And that’s raising questions about where the future money for ballot initiatives, organizing, public education and the like is going to come from.

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