Residents offer mixed feelings on legalizing marijuana

Posted on March 24, 2017

Medical Marijuana — The proposal in Springfield would allow recreational use of marijuana. (Photo courtesy DankDepot/Flickr)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – Bloomington-Normal residents in Uptown Normal Friday offered mixed views on the possibility of Illinois legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

Katelin wasn’t thrilled with the idea.

“I’ve met a lot of kids who get real dumb all the time when they spoke pot,” said Katelin. “When you’re under 25 or 30 you don’t really know how to control yourself with that as well.”

Katelin added she is OK with the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Keenan Longan was in favor of approving pot for recreational use.

“You look at other states, and areas that have legalized it, you see all the money they bring in,” said Longan. “Generally, like, you can see, like, lower crime rates and stuff because dealers aren’t a problem because you have to go get it legally.”

The Marijuana Policy Project estimates Illinois could generate between $349 million and $699 million a year in extra tax revenue by legalizing marijuana.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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