Montel Williams to back effort to legalize pot in Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH -- An effort to legalize medical and recreational marijuana in Ohio is getting the backing of TV personality Montel Williams.

The celebrity who hosted "The Montel Williams Show" for a decade is scheduled to endorse Issue 3 during a Columbus appearance Wednesday. Williams also will announce opposition to Issue 2, a proposed ban on constitutional monopolies that's designed to block the marijuana effort.

It marks Williams' first time getting involved in a legalization effort.

Wednesday's event will include Ohio patients who could benefit from access to medical marijuana if the amendment passes Nov. 3.

A spokesman said Williams does not intend to be an investor in any of the 10 authorized growing sites created by the proposal and has no current plans to be involved in the Ohio cannabis business.