Should marijuana be legal?
That is a question people have been asking since the 70s, but with many states legalizing it to various degrees, it appears that more and more people are turning to the side of legalization.
City officials in Appleton have even opened up a discussion to include the question on a referendum on the November election. Supporters of legalization point toward the tax dollars it would bring in.
For example, just in Denver Colorado alone, a reported $72.4 million in tax revenue was collected in 2021 from marijuana sales alone.
Those in opposition say public safety is a major concern.
In an article written by Forbes, they noted that “an increase in the number of accidents involving drivers using marijuana is a major reason for their opposition.”
While that article was written in 2019, it did note that roughly 66% of people polled were in favor of legalization.
11 of the 13 City Council members in Appleton voted in favor of the referendum being allowed on the November ballot, so voters in the Outagamie County city will be able to voice their opinion.