Connecticut's new Democratic house leadership is pledging to bring legal marijuana to the state, one way or another.

Incoming House Speaker Matt Ritter says with neighboring states legalizing pot, Connecticut is missing out on millions in potential tax revenue.

Ritter admits the vote will be close in the legislatures and plans to bring the question directly to the people if lawmakers cannot agree.

"If we do not have the votes and I'm not raising the white flag, I want to be very clear, we will put something on the board to put to the voters of the state of Connecticut to amend the state constitution to legalize marijuana, that is how it's been legalized in every other state except one," Ritter says.

Lawmakers say the process of legalizing marijuana through a ballot vote could take up to four years.