Three months after Massachusetts legalized the recreational use of marijuana, East Bay legislators are giving a cool reception to a similar measure expected to be introduced by Providence and Cranston lawmakers.

Rep. Scott Slater of Providence and Cranston Senator Joshua Miller are expected to introduce the “Cannabis Regulation, Control and Taxation Act” by Sunday, Feb. 19. The legislation would allow Rhode Islanders over 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow one plant in their home. The sponsors say the legislation, if passed, would allow Rhode Island to tax the drug and compete with Massachusetts or tax and consumers’ dollars.

“Eight states have passed laws to regulate and tax cannabis for adult use,” Rep. Slater said in an interview. “This legislation represents a sensible policy reform that has been shown to work successfully in other states.”

While proponents believe legalizing marijuana would be a cash boon for the state, some legislators in Bristol and Warren say they’re not yet convinced, and worry that legalizing the Schedule I drug would harm Rhode Island’s economy and particular, its defense sector.

“I oppose legalization on a lot of grounds,” said District 11 Senator James Seveney. “Rhode Island is number three in the nation for substance abuse issues; I don’t see how we are helping our youngsters by legalizing. As far as losing (revenue) to Massachusetts … our substance abuse issues are of a higher priority.”

Like many of his East Bay colleagues, Sen. Seveney said he is also concerned with Rhode Island’s $1 billion defense industry, which employs thousands.

“If you go to apply for a job (for a federal contractor) many if not most of those jobs require a security clearance,” he said. “The very first thing you do for that is take a drug test.”

“Are we going to lose out?”

Others agree. While District 68 Rep. Kenneth Marshall said he has not yet made up his mind on the legislation, he too worries about the defense industry and whether legalizing marijuana would damage the Ocean State’s economy.

“All we hear is that (defense-related) employers can’t find quality workers. But they require drug testing and you can’t get hired if you have THC (the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) in your bloodstream,” he said.

“If we do allow (legalization), are we in jeopardy of potentially losing more of our economy to another state where it isn’t legal?”

District 10 Sen. Walter Felag said he knows many people in the defense industry. He too worries about what impact legalizing the drug would have.

“Right now, I have an open mind on the issue and I’m looking forward to hearing the merits of the bill,” he said.

However, “we have to dot the Is and cross the Ts and look at the impact and the numbers; more importantly, is it going to have an impact on our defense industry? It’s an industry that is close to me,and there’s a lot of defense money on the line.”

Several legislators had other issues, as well. When asked how she would vote on the legislation, District 69 Rep. Susan Donovan said she has not yet decided, but has many questions.

“First I want to listen to all the testimony and all the pros and cons,” she said. “I think what the concern is for everybody is that this is happening in Massachusetts, and what that effect will be be on us, whether we’ll inherit all the problems (of Massachusetts) and not have the resources to fight it.”

Employment is a big option for her as well, she said:

“We also have a big defense industry, and (what about the trades)? The plumbers’ unions and electricians’ unions, they all having trouble getting apprentices. That’s a big issue, getting people into the work force. How will this impact it? I don’t know the answers. I want to sit down and ask those questions.”

“My position is the same as it was” during his campaign, added District 67 Rep. Jason Knight.

“I think it’s a fact of life that it’s going to come to Rhode Island eventually. I want to make sure that when it does, it does with the appropriate safeguards.”

Though he hasn’t yet read the bill (it must be introduced by Feb. 19) Rep. Knight said he has heard about parts of it.

“I’m taking a wait and see approach,” he said.