Bill Would Legalize Marijuana Possession

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Recreational use of marijuana would be legal in Michigan under a bill introduced in Lansing this week. House Democrat Jeff Irwin’s proposal allows possession and use of an ounce or less of pot. The bill allows local communities to ban retail selling and growing of marijuana, but does not allow those communities to ban possession and use. Some majority Republicans however say its a no-go without more oversight and regulation. Irwin says no to that.

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Irwin says the current prohibition has been a “colossal failure” because of the legal and incarceration costs.

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He believes legalizing and taxing it will bring $100 million to state coffers each year. So far he has no support from Republicans, who say much more regulation is needed before its legalized. Irwin says too much regulation will keep marijuana commerce stuck in the black market. Under his bill, a local community could ban retail sales and growing of marijuana but could not ban possession or use of an ounce or less.