Connecticut is gearing up for a debate about whether to legalize recreational marijuana.

Democratic Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney has introduce a bill that would permit residents to use marijuana recreationally. If the measure passes, Connecticut would join fellow New England states Massachusetts and Maine, where ballot initiatives passed in November. Eight states have legalized recreational marijuana.

“There seems to be a national trend moving in that direction,” Mr. Looney said.

But Gov. Dannel Malloy, also a Democrat, opposes the bill, arguing the state shouldn’t promote marijuana use. Mr. Malloy has approved measures decriminalizing possession and permitting medical marijuana use.

“I don’t think the people of Connecticut want dispensaries up and down streets,” the governor said in December.

Mr. Looney acknowledged the governor’s opposition and said he still wanted to start laying the groundwork for legalization.

“I’m hopeful that we might get him to change his mind, especially given the fact that it could be a significant revenue source,” Mr. Looney said. [Read more at Wall Street Journal]