By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

Two lawmakers who’ve been working for a decade or more on legalizing adult-use marijuana Tuesday unveiled legislation that would set the stage for sales of marijuana in Rhode Island by the start of 2023.

The 124-page bill, introduced in the House by Rep. Scott Slater and in the Senate by Sen. Joshua Miller would set up a cannabis control commission to oversee the industry, allow for adult possession of up to an ounce of cannabis flower for adults age 21 and older, and would permit sales by up to 33 dispensaries, including those aimed at communities adversely impacted by decades of cannabis prohibition, through a so-called “social equity fund”.

“It really needs to be done now before it’s too late and those habits are set in stone. People are going to Massachusetts to Connecticut retailers,” said Miller, a Democrat representing parts of Cranston and Providence.

He and Rep. Scott Slater said legislative leaders are in agreement on the bill.

“As a public policy, this is the first time since I”ve been up here that we’ve had consensus both from the executive and legislative branches,” said Slater.

Marijuana advocates applauded the measure as, “a thoughtful proposal that will end the failed policy of cannabis prohibition and create many economic and social benefits for the state,” said Jared Moffat, State Campaigns Manager of the Marijuana Policy Project in a statement.

The lawmakers expect hearings, beginning by later this month.