Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo continues to evolve on the path to legalizing marijuana. (Paul Morigi, Getty Images for Fortune/Time Inc)

Rhode Island governor open to letting voters decide on legalizing weed

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Gov. Gina Raimondo says she’s open to the possibility of letting Rhode Island voters decide if they want to legalize recreational marijuana.

The Democrat told reporters Tuesday she’s also willing to consider a marijuana legalization bill being debated by state lawmakers but says there’s no need to hurry.

She says it’s more important to create good regulations and properly address safety concerns than to rush ahead for the economic advantage of allowing the commercial sale of marijuana before other states.

Raimondo says she talked recently with Colorado’s Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper about lessons learned since his state legalized marijuana beginning in 2014.

Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello says he’s considering a non-binding referendum question for the November ballot. He says the House must first take up the current legislation.