Michigan Senator Introduces Recreational Marijuana Bill

LANSING — A state lawmaker has introduced legislation to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Michigan, a move he says will free up police to “focus on violent and property crimes."

Introduced by state Sen. Coleman A. Young II, D-Detroit, the bill is being called the “non-medical marijuana code."

Senate Bill 813 would regulate and tax marijuana, generating revenue for education and other public purposes.

The 23-page bill says use of marijuana should be legal “in the interest of allowing law enforcement to focus on violent and property crimes."

If approved, Michigan would join Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and the District of Columbia where recreational use of marijuana is legal.

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