With a vote on marijuana legalization set to be heard as early as December 17, recreational adult-use cannabis could become a reality in New Jersey sooner rather than later.

If it passes, the state could be the first in the nation to legalize, regulate, tax, and deal with criminal-record expungements through legislation rather than a ballot initiative.

But even as the bill passed committees in both houses earlier this week, few seem completely sold on the measure as written, and fewer seem to have read it in its entirety. And even at more than 150 pages, it still did not address many of the concerns raised during the public hearing.

A great deal of politicking is expected to occur behind the scenes, and the bill is bound to be amended before a final vote.

# What issue should legislators give more consideration before final passage?