You might be able to light up a marijuana cigarette legally in Arizona before long. Phoenix Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego is proposing legalization of recreational pot in what he says is an effort to take a bite out of crime.
“The most important thing we want to do is to get marijuana out of the black market and take away this drug, which is a very profitable drug for cartels, out of the hands of, out of the cartels and put it into legitimate business owners,” Gallego said.
He says he envisions a heavily regulated marketplace for pot, with sellers going through a deep background check, paying a license fee, and abiding by state regulations on where you can sell and who you can sell to.
The lawmaker says he understands the bill will be a hard sell but hopes public opinion will sway opinion on the issue.