Others are calling for an interim step — lift the criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana but not for dealers, traffickers and growers. Critics point out that "decriminalization" of small amounts will not snuff out an illegal black market of dealers. If anything, it will flourish.
And those seeking a cautious, first step argue that the focus should be expanding and improving the state's medical marijuana program, which was tightly regulated and slowly rolled out under Gov. Chris Christie.
