HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Some religious leaders in the state are now pushing to legalize recreational marijuana here in Connecticut.

RELATED CONTENT: Cuomo and Lamont team up to discuss regional issues, vaping, transportation

Members of the group ‘Clergy United To Regulate Marijuana” held a news conference in front of the State Capitol on Tuesday morning.

They say that making recreation pot legal would bring more tax dollars into the state and free up police resources for more serious crimes.

“One of the key features of the regulated system by lawmakers, cannabis will be legitimately produced by legitimate business instead of drug cartels and criminals. Regulation would also free up police resources so police can focus on more serious crimes and also help improve police-community relationships,” said Rev. Charles Stallworth, East End Baptist Church.

Governor Ned Lamont and Democratic lawmakers in the general assembly promise to support legislation to legalize recreational marijuana this session.