Push to legalize pot in RI begins anew

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Two state lawmakers have renewed an effort to legalize marijuana in Rhode Island.
   
State Rep. Edith Ajello (uh-JELL'-oh) and state Sen. Donna Nesselbush detailed their legislation Wednesday during a press conference with the Coalition for Marijuana Regulation.
   
Ajello has said the regulated sale of marijuana would eliminate the black market and allow law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes. She has estimated legalization could raise $10 million in tax revenue and save $20 million now spent prosecuting and incarcerating people for marijuana offenses.
   
Similar legislation failed last year. State Rep. James McLaughlin says legalization sends the wrong message to children.
   
Rhode Island has already decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana in a law that takes effect April 1.

Colorado and Washington recently legalized marijuana.