Is Wisconsin Missing Out On The Money By Not Legalizing Marijuana?

There's a lot of money being made across the country from the legalization of marijuana. While weed is still illegal at the federal level, nearly 20 states allow the use of medical marijuana. The District of Columbia and 11 states have legalized the recreational use — Illinois is one. The new law goes into effect in January. It's expected to eventually bring in anywhere between $500 million and $700 million a year. READ: Going To Illinois For 'Weed Tourism'? What Wisconsin Drivers Need To Know States are always looking for new revenue sources, so is Wisconsin missing out by not legalizing marijuana? Wisconsin could bring in $168 million a year if it legalized marijuana, according to state Rep. Melissa Sargent, D-Madison. Instead, Sargent says Wisconsin is in danger of being left behind. Michigan and Illinois have already legalized the recreational use of weed, and it's legal for medical reasons in Minnesota. "Distributors, manufacturers, etc., will be building shops in these other