Wisconsin lawmaker seeks to legalize marijuana

A Wisconsin lawmaker says the state should legalize marijuana to reduce crime and improve the state's economy.

Rep. Melissa Sargent, a Madison Democrat, introduced a bill Monday that would legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes.

In a news conference Monday Sargent said that legalizing the drug would reduce crime associated with growing and selling cannabis and create jobs.

But the bill will likely go up in smoke. Republicans control both chambers and don't seem eager to support the measure.

Gov. Scott Walker last spring signed into law a measure that permits the use of marijuana derivatives to treat certain medical disorders. His spokeswoman, Laurel Patrick, said Walker opposes legalization and sees marijuana as a gateway drug.

Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska have laws allowing recreational marijuana use.