State Rep. Melissa Sargent, D-Madison, introduced legislation Thursday that would legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use in the state of Wisconsin.

The representative said the bill would reduce racial disparity, save the state money and add revenue.

Sargent referenced data saying African Americans are four times more likely than Caucasians to be arrested for marijuana charges. She also said each arrest for possession of marijuana costs the taxpayer $425. Sargent said these issues could be resolved if marijuana was legalized.

Colorado projects the recent legalization of marijuana will give the state $10 billion by 2018, Sargent said in her statement.

“The facts clearly show that legalization is right for Wisconsin and that the most dangerous thing about marijuana is that it’s illegal,” Sargent said.

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