Legalized Marijuana Could Provide a Windfall for the State
Monday, April 29th, 2019 -- 1:55 PM
(WRN) -A new report from the UW Public Affairs center says Wisconsin could stand to see a windfall through marijuana legalization.State Democrats are continuing their efforts towards various levels of marijuana legalization. A new report from the UW Public Affairs center says Wisconsin could stand to see a windfall through marijuana legalization. State representative David Bowen says the report shows that legalization would generate over 200 million dollars a year in benefits and revenue for the state.
"That would benefit the state of Wisconsin, benefits residents and taxpayers that are looking for more revenue to be there to take care of important services, but also to have some savings as well on top of that 1 point 1 billion."
Bowen says it would also reduce costs on policing and jailing users.
"It's a benefit for our state coffers, it's a benefit for a more just criminal justice system that can be more efficient as well."
Bowen says legalizing marijuana would hold the same amount of danger as keeping alcohol legal in the state.
"And they can still provide income for their families by going to their jobs, by being responsible. I think that same responsibility could be had if we had full legalization on marijuana too."
The Marquette Law School Poll showed that 83 percent of residents support medical marijuana. Republicans continue to oppose the measure. Legalization of medical marijuana is also part of Governor Evers' budget.
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