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Group Submits Signatures To Legalize Marijuana In Michigan

LANSING (WW/AP) - A ballot committee proposing to legalize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes in Michigan has submitted more than 360,000 voter signatures in a bid for a statewide vote in 2018.

The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol turned in the signatures to state election officials in Lansing on Monday.

Adults 21 and older could possess up to 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants at home. A 10 percent excise tax, plus a 6 percent sales tax, on the purchase of marijuana would be assessed.

"In other words, the state's going to make a boatload of money if they can get this thing approved by the voters," said WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick. "And that of course is going to be up to you folks."

Skubick said the group needs roughly 252,000 valid signatures.

"So they've got a pretty good cushion of over 100,000 names, which would likely withstand any flyspecking by the opponents to legalizing pot here in Michigan," he said.

The state is expected to take a couple months reviewing the petitions.

The proposal would make Michigan the ninth state to legalize the drug for recreational use. Michigan already allows for the use of marijuana for medical reasons.

© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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