Oregon Public Broadcasting

Several Democratic lawmakers in Olympia are pushing two bills to decriminalize marijuana.

Some even want the state to sell pot like it sells liquor.

Supporters view the bills as a way to save the state a bundle of cash.

State Representative Mary Lou Dickerson of Seattle, argues regulating pot would help rid Washington of drug cartels while earning tax dollars for the state.

Mary Lou Dickerson: "People have come up and asked me what's a nice grandmother like you doing sponsoring a legalization of marijuana bill? And I have quite a simple answer and that is the fiscal crisis we now are in."

Washington's Liquor Control Board estimates legalizing pot would save $300 million in two years. But Don Pierce of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs thinks it's a bad idea.

He believes smoking pot could become as common as underage drinking.

Don Pierce: "If you believe that it is okay for kids in school to use marijuana and be high then you should pass either one or both of these."

Both bills will be voted on in committee next week but it's not clear they have the votes to pass the full legislature.

Governor Chris Gregoire said Wednesday the bills are a distraction from more pressing public safety issues.