Recreational marijuana could become legalized in the U.S. state of Arizona as early as this summer if a bill intriduced by a Phoenix lawmaker gains approval by the Legislature, according to a report by USA Today.

A measure to legalize recreational marijuana is already in place for Arizona residents to vote on in 2016, and early polls across the state show signs of the measure gaining voters' approval following successful efforts from other states legalizing marijuana.

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But state representative Mark Cardenas is strongly voicing his argument as to why the Legislature passing its own model to go by first would be beneficial for the state.  

"We've seen issues with our medical-marijuana system ... but it's nearly impossible to come back at the Legislature and adjust it because we need 75% of the Legislature (to approve any changes to a voter-approved measure)," Cardenas said. "This would give us more leeway. If there were unforeseen consequences, we could easily come back and adjust it the next year."

Under the proposal known as House Bill 2007, which aims to tackle similar regulations as Colorado, state laws would allow Arizona residents who are 21-and-older to be able to legally purchase, possess and consume up to one ounce of marijuana. The bill, if approved, would also allow residents of age to be able to grow up to five plants for consumption.

Additionally, Cardenas estimates that recreational marijuana could potentially bring the state over $50 million in tax revenue in the first year. The bill says it would implement a $50 sales tax for each ounce, with 50 percent of the tax revenue going to education, drug treatment programs, and campaigns to educate youth on alcohol and marijuana.

"The possibility of it passing is not good, but we need to start looking at new and exciting ways to fill our budget gap if the governor is taking a 'no new taxes' stance." 

Tagsmarijuana legalization, Arizona, Legislature, ballot measures, House Bill 2007, Tax Revenue