Marijuana legalization gains ground: Debate is wide-ranging ahead of pending votes
The bill to legalize marijuana could get a full vote on Dec. 17, though sponsors were uncertain whether it had enough support to pass. Before Gov. Phil Murphy can fulfill his pledge to sign a legalization bill, it must be approved by the 40-member state Senate and 80-member state Assembly.
Political squabbles over state tax rates on new marijuana businesses have dominated the debate this year, along with debates over social justice issues such as expungement of criminal records for past low-level possession convictions.