EDITOR’S NOTE: The billion-dollar medical marijuana, hemp and legal weed industries offer an economic opportunity unrivaled in modern N.J. history. NJ Cannabis Insider features exclusive, premium content for those interested in getting in on the ground floor or expanding their operation. View a sample issue.

The constitutional amendment that would legalize marijuana in New Jersey will go before both houses of the state Legislature on Monday, as it inched its way closer to a spot on the 2020 ballot after two legislative hearings Thursday.

“I thought New Jersey would be a leader in this, and I still think we have the opportunity to be leader of the East Coast," said state Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, who sponsored the measure. “I think it is time that we give voters a chance to weigh in on this.”

Testimony on the proposed question was heard before the state Assembly Appropriation Committee and the state Senate Commerce Committee Thursday. The hearings are required for constitutional amendments.

To get the question on the ballot as a constitutional amendment, both the state Senate and Assembly must approve it by either three-fifths majority in one year or by simple majorities in consecutive years. The easier route would have them voting twice, once before Jan. 1, and then shortly after the new year.

Gov. Phil Murphy promised to legalize marijuana for those over 21, but the fight has seen several setbacks. Lawmakers pulled a vote on a legalization bill in March because the state Senate did not have enough votes to pass it. While another effort had gained traction in recent weeks, Senate President Stephen Sweeney announced late last month he would not take the bill to the floor, and would instead move it to the ballot for voters to decide.

“Today is an important day," Assemblyman Joseph Danielsen, D-Somerset. "It was my hope and the hope of many in my caucus that we could have legalized adult use cannabis legislatively, but unfortunately, that is not to be.”

“I am confident [the voters] will support this amendment," Danielsen said.

Some opponents have accused lawmakers of abandoning their job and taking an easy route by pushing the issue to voters, who may not understand the implications of legalization.

“You’re proposing this morning to abandon your job as elected officials," said Shawn Hyland, director of advocacy for the Family Policy Alliance of New Jersey, who opposes legalization. “Just like Pontius Pilate in the scriptures who washed his hands of responsibility, you’re washing your hands.”

Others worry about the unknown impact on youth and safety, and argue it will only put more money into the pockets of big corporations.

“Do you agree that the new drug dealers in America will be white men in suits?” Melissa Robins, a field organizer with the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. “Why would we now unleash marijuana into our communities?”

The ballot question leaves even those in favor of legalization wary, as it does not address revenue and racial and social justice in the ways detailed legislation would have.

Charlana McKeithen and Chris Goldstein of NORML voiced concern about the question’s wording, which would amend the state Constitution to “legalize a controlled form of marijuana called ‘cannabis.’” Instead, he said it should call for an end to marijuana prohibition and the elimination of penalties for possession, cultivation and use.

“What we want out of this legislation is for our rights to be restored," Goldstein said.

Jon-Henry Barr, a municipal prosecutor in Clark Township, said prosecuting marijuana offenses has been “a disaster.” Cases often clog the court, but proving impairment with lab tests has sometimes been impossible.

“We need to do something and we need to do something now,” he said.

Bill Caruso, an attorney who represents various cannabis-related clients and is a founding member of New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform, said he supports the ballot question, as it has become the most immediate solution to the social justice concerns of prohibition -- but it will require educating the public and pushing them to vote.

“I want to leave on a high note," Caruso told the Assembly committee. "In the wisdom of some key philosophers of our time, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, ‘If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.’ I will love this Constitutional amendment but we’ve got work to do to convince the public to do that.”

The proposed question reads as follows:

Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called ‘cannabis’? Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis. The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax. If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.”

An interpretation of the question specifies the soon-to-be appointed Cannabis Regulatory Commission for medical marijuana would oversee the market. It also says cannabis products would be subject to state sales tax, and municipalities impose a local tax, too, if authorized by lawmakers.

Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Are you interested in the cannabis industry? Subscribe here for exclusive insider information from NJ Cannabis Insider.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.