New Jersey took its biggest step this week toward legalizing marijuana. But lawmakers face an even bigger hurdle as they put the final touches on legsislation that could make pot available to the public as early as spring.

Lawmakers say there's still a bit of a snag, however, that could delay the legislation for weeks – maybe even months. Even though Gov. Phil Murphy has pushed for marijuana legalization, lawmakers still don't have an agreement with his administration that would allow the bill to move to full Senate and Assembly votes.

Here's what has happened, and what the "Marijuana Legalization Act," which would allow users 21 years old and up to possess up to an ounce of pot, faces before pot becomes legal: Full state Legislature votes: State Senate and Assembly committees voted Monday to advance the legislation to full votes by the state Legislature. No timetable has been set for those votes, however.

State Senate and Assembly committees voted Monday to advance the legislation to full votes by the state Legislature. No timetable has been set for those votes, however. Amendments: Various amendments could be proposed to try to appeal to those who are sitting on the fence – including some Democrats who oppose the legislation – before going to a full vote. Some, such as Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen Assemblyman Ronald Rice, D-Essex, don't buy the argument that legalizing pot would promote social justice. "It's all about the money," Rice has said.

Various amendments could be proposed to try to appeal to those who are sitting on the fence – including some Democrats who oppose the legislation – before going to a full vote. Some, such as Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen Assemblyman Ronald Rice, D-Essex, don't buy the argument that legalizing pot would promote social justice. "It's all about the money," Rice has said. Murphy's signature: If the Senate and Assembly approve the legislation, then the Marijuana Legalization Act requires Murphy's signature to become law.

If the Senate and Assembly approve the legislation, then the Marijuana Legalization Act requires Murphy's signature to become law. Murphy-Legislature agreement: Here is where the legislation has hit its biggest snag: Conflicts have arisen over how much marijuana should be taxed that have impeded the legislation's progress. Sweeney has said that the tax should be no more than 12 percent; the Murphy administration has suggested higher.

Here is where the legislation has hit its biggest snag: Conflicts have arisen over how much marijuana should be taxed that have impeded the legislation's progress. Sweeney has said that the tax should be no more than 12 percent; the Murphy administration has suggested higher. Regulation: Don't expect pot to be sold in stores right away. The regulatory and licensing process could take another six months after the legislation is passed, health officials say. That schedule could move a lot more quickly if medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed to meet the demand. Lawmakers noted that the legislation establishes a five-member commission to oversee the development, regulation and enforcement of activities associated with the personal use of cannabis, as well as for medical.

Read more: NJ Lawmakers Make Big Decision On Marijuana Legalization Murphy's deputy press secretary, Alyana Alfaro, released a statement on the legislation, saying: "Governor Murphy remains committed to legalizing adult-use marijuana, a critical step in eliminating racial disparities in our criminal justice system.

"The governor is committed to working with the Legislature to legalize adult-use marijuana the right way, one that makes the state fairer, prioritizes the safety of New Jersey residents, and ensures that some of the economic benefits go the communities hardest hit by the war on drugs."

On Monday, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee vote was 7-4 in favor, while the Assembly Appropriations Committee voted 7-3 to advance the bill.



"We can act like marijuana doesn't exist, that it doesn't take place in this world," said Senate President Stephen Sweeney, noting the thousands who are arrested each year for pot possession. "It's time to make this industry legitmate, to regulate it." Most Democrats on the Assembly and Senate Budget and Appropriations committees supported the legislation, but not everyone. Sarlo, speaking as a "parent and a coach," said he just doesn't think New Jersey is ready for legal marijuana.