State lawmakers are hearing testimony on the potential economic impact of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois. Proponents say taxing and regulating recreational pot could raise hundreds of millions of dollars for the state.
Television travel host Rick Steves, a legalization proponent, says there are other benefits as well. He testified in Chicago that it reduces the number of people sent to prison for pot use and frees up police to fight hard drug abuse. Steves says his home state of Washington hasn't seen a rise in pot use since it legalized recreational marijuana. Illinois supporters hope to pass a legalization bill next year.
