Pot sales in Wash. liquor stores proposed

OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- A Washington state legislator wants state-run liquor stores to sell pot alongside booze.

Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, a Seattle Democrat, introduced House Bill 1550 Tuesday. It also calls for the state to license marijuana growers.

Dickerson told KING-TV in Seattle the proceeds could fund healthcare and addiction treatment.

Critics say legalization would increase use among teenagers and be a gateway to harder drugs.

Rep. Chris Hurst, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said he will give the bill a public hearing, but doubts its legality.

The office of Attorney General Rob McKenna, an opponent of legalization, said he will fight it.

State Sen. Margarita Prentice plans to offer a companion bill in the Senate.

"I've never smoked a joint in my life," she said, "but we're making millionaires out the world's worst people."