MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin lawmaker says the state should legalize marijuana to reduce crime and improve the state’s economy. Rep. Melissa Sargent, a Madison Democrat, introduced a bill Monday that would legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes. In a news conference Monday Sargent said that legalizing the drug would reduce crime associated with growing and selling cannabis and create jobs. But the bill will likely go up in smoke. Republicans control both chambers and don’t seem eager to support the measure. Gov. Scott Walker last spring signed into law a measure that permits the use of marijuana derivatives to treat certain medical disorders. His spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Sargent’s bill. Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska have laws allowing recreational marijuana use. Sargent will be a guest at 9:10am Tuesday on AM 1170 WFDL’s Between the Lines program.
