At a news conference Wednesday, Rep. Edith Ajello and Sen. Donna Nesselbush announce a bill to legalize marijuana in Rhode Island. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

By Steve Klamkin WPRO News and the Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Two state lawmakers have renewed an effort to legalize marijuana in Rhode Island.

State Rep. Edith Ajello and state Sen. Donna Nesselbush detailed their legislation Wednesday during a press conference with the Coalition for Marijuana Regulation.

"I am introducing the marijuana regulation, control and taxation act, which would, in effect end the failed policy of marijuana prohibition in Rhode Island," said Ajello, a Providence Democrat.

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.

"Will the state decide the time, place and manner of sales as is proposed in Chairwoman Ajello's and my legislation," Sen. Nesselbush asked Wednesday at a news conference in the State House. "Or will we continue to leave it up to criminals to sell it anywhere, anytime to anyone?"

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.