Legislators in the Democratic-controlled General Assembly have been considering marijuana legalization more seriously since the November election, when Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure legalizing recreational pot in their state. But now they face an organized campaign against legalization. (Seth McConnell, Denver Post file)

Rhode Island Attorney General launches anti-recreational marijuana legalization campaign

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By The Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island’s attorney general has launched a campaign against the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state.

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, a Democrat, announced a new coalition of legal pot opponents Thursday.

Legislators in the Democratic-controlled General Assembly have been considering marijuana legalization more seriously since the November election, when Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure legalizing recreational pot in their state.

Legalization advocacy group Regulate Rhode Island questions why Kilmartin is using state employees to lobby against a popular cause.

Kilmartin says pediatricians and police are among those concerned that legalization will cause unintended consequences.

One group in the coalition, Smart Approaches to Marijuana, which was co-founded by former Rhode Island Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, announced a new ad campaign on Thursday called “Are We Sure?”