BATH — Certainly, the prospect of legalizing marijuana is topical.

A bill to do just that is pending in the state Legislature, awaiting an April hearing, Last week, Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree signed onto a bill that would legalize marijuana and regulate it like alcohol at the federal level.

State Rep. Jennifer DeChant, D-Bath, is helping her constituents to keep abreast. On Saturday, DeChant will host a community forum on the proposed decriminalization of marijuana, from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Hall.

“It will be in front of the Legislature,” DeChant said Monday. “There’s no public hearing scheduled, but it will probably be in the middle of April. That’s why I wanted to do it this early. Then, Representative Pingree signed on.”

DeChant said that constituent Peter Alexander of Bath approached her on the issue.

“I am interested in learning more about it, and have not decided one way or the other,” she said.

DeChant will act as moderator

“Several states have decriminalized marijuana, and now Maine is faced with the issue,” she said. “This forum is to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the pros and cons of this issue.”

Speakers will include Rep. Diane Russell, D-Portland, who is the sponsor of the bill. Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry will discuss opposition. Eric Haram, director of outpatient behavioral health for MidCoast Hospital will provide an overview of the business side of the current law on medical marijuana, and its implementation.

“We have assembled a panel for thoughtful discussion of the intent of the law and to explore some of the possible unintended consequences that we should consider,” DeChant said. “Ultimately, if the bill passes the Legislature, the people of Maine will have a chance to vote on it, and this community forum is a first step in that consideration.”

A referendum vote on legalized pot could come as soon as this November, DeChant said.

Alexander, a singer/songwriter, says that legalizing pot could solve many problems.

“Incarcerating people for non-violent drug offenses is incredibly costly — about $13 million  per year in Maine alone — and the cost of ruined lives and traumatized families cannot even be estimated,” Alexander said. “Regulating and taxing marijuana solves a lot of problems and will generate revenues instead of costing taxpayers millions each year.”

Merry adds a cautionary note.

“The idea of legalizing the possession and recreational use of marijuana has some far-reaching consequences that will affect our communities,” Merry said. “This issue is likely to end up in referendum and it is necessary for our citizens to be informed as to the implications of legalizing marijuana. The real concern here is that use of the drug could become even more prevalent.”