ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A Michigan state representative is pushing for marijuana to become legal in the state, saying it's about more than economics.

State Representative Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) thinks it's time for Michigan to follow Colorado's lead.

"We can do a better job of making sure that when people do buy and sell marijuana it happens in the appropriate time, manner and place, and do a better job of keeping it out of the hands of kids," said Irwin.

He said he envisions generated revenue from legalized marijuana going to support Michigan schools and possibly repairing the roads.

"I think that maybe applying the revenue to those places, or some combination of those places, makes a lot of sense. I also think it makes sense to beef up our substance abuse programs," he said.

Irwin said there is some bipartisan support he hopes to build on and voter surveys show the majority of people would support legalizing marijuana.

"If we can get our political leaders to just follow the people on this one we might be able to get a way better result, because the people are way ahead of the politicians," he said.

Irwin is referring to recent surveys that show 50 percent of respondents supporting legalization. Obviously, that leaves a lot of opposition.

He's still gathering support and plans to push it to the state legislature.