Legalizing weed could boost economic recovery

Easing racial disparity as well

Recreational marijuana is legal in 11 states ?

"* but not in iowa or minnesota.

But as we deal with economic recession and social unrest ?

*- one history instructor says now could be a good opportunity to finally legalize weed.

Kimt news 3's isabella basco is shedding light on how marijuana could benefit the economy and close racial disparities.

Isabella?

Katie and george ?

"* rochester is not immune to the economic effects of coronavirus: with less people staying at hotels... eating at restaurants and visiting the med city... that's all lost revenue.

One way to potentially make up for it ?

"* legalizing marijuana.

Bds analytics tracks dispensary sales.

In states where it's legalized ?

"* marijuana generated 15 billion dollars in 2019.

It's expected to top 30 billion in 4 years.

History instructor chad israelson says the movement has been picking up speed since colorado legalized it back in 2012.

He tells me we could see more states decriminalize it "colorado is not a complete disaster, illinois is not a complete disaster, neither is california, washington, oregon, it's a movement that is meeting its time.

I think it was going to happen anyway in many states going forward and i think that economically it makes sense now."

Israelson also tells me when you look at racial tensions in america.

The drug war has disproportiona tely impacted people of color and has jailed countless numbers of non?

"*violent offenders.

He tells me legalizing marijuana could also help reduce racial disparities.

Live in rochester ib kimt news 3.

Thanks isabella.

Medical cannabis is legal in more than half of the states ?

"* includig iowa and minnesota.