OLYMPIA, Wash. - Two bills that would legalize the sale and possession of marijuana attracted a standing-room-only crowd to a Capitol hearing room Wednesday.
Most who testified were in favor of the bills.
One bill would decriminalize possession of marijuana, the other would enable the state to sell and tax pot at state liquor stores.
Sponsors of the taxation bill said regulating the sale of marijuana could generate $150 million a year for the state.
Supporters also said decriminalization would save money in the state's justice and prison systems.
"In these days of billion dollar deficits, we can no longer keep our heads in the sand," said Representative Mary Lou Dickerson, D-Seattle.
State lawmakers are trying to balance a budget with a projected $2.6 billion deficit.
The Executive Director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs testified against the bills. Don Pierce does not believe the state would save or make any money by legalizing marijuana.
"It's just nonsense," said Pierce. "The biggest piece of science fiction I've read in the past 3 months is how much money we'd save if we decriminalize marijuana."
No matter what happens to this legislation, voters could have a say on the issue this year.
A group called Sensible Washington is seeking signatures to ask voters if marijuana should be legalized.
