Ohio voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to legalise recreational use of marijuana, a measure that was opposed even by advocates of the drug.
Issue 3, which would have allowed both the personal and medical use of marijuana for those over 21 years old, was defeated by a nearly two-to-one margin.
The measure lost in urban areas and in every one of the state's 87 counties, including those with large student populations.
Voters turned against the initiative partly because it would have granted its main backers monopoly-like powers over the cannabis industry for several years.
Ohio Governor John Kasich, a Republican running for US president, said in a statement he was proud Ohioans "chose a path that helps strengthen our families and communities".
Issue 3 would have awarded exclusive rights for commercial marijuana growth and distribution to 10 facilities owned by wealthy investors across the state.
Critics responded with a rival ballot measure, Issue 2, that would nullify legalisation if it creates "an economic monopoly or special privilege" for a private entity.
Issue 2 appeared likely to pass.
Issue 3's backers said they would return next year with a revised ballot initiative.
The states that have legalised the recreational usage of marijuana are Alaska, Colorado, Washington and Oregon, as well as the District of Columbia.
About two dozen states allow its use for medical reasons.
Seven other states are expected to vote on recreational marijuana legalisation next year.
Ohio's was one of the number of contentious ballot measures and off-year elections that took place nationwide on Tuesday:
Proposition F, a San Francisco ballot measure that would have imposed tighter restrictions on home-share website Airbnb, amid concerns about gentrification in the city, lost by a sizable margin.
Houston voters defeated an ordinance backed by the city's lesbian mayor that would have established non-discrimination protections for LGBT people after pastors said it would infringe on their religious beliefs.
Kentucky voters elected the state's second Republican governor in four decades. Matt Bevin swept to power after railing against Obamacare.
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