New Jersey’s Democratic-controlled Legislature took a step toward a showdown with Gov. Chris Christie over legalized marijuana on Monday.

A state Senate panel convened a hearing on legalizing the drug, and a leading Democratic lawmaker says it’s time to bring it out of an underground economy by legalizing, taxing and regulating it.

“I believe our state should lead the way,” Democratic state Sen. Nicholas Scutari said. Scutari, who has written a bill that would legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for people over 21, sketched a scenario in which the drug comes out of what he called a “black market” and gives way to a billion-dollar industry.

But the issue comes as Christie, who is seeking the GOP nomination for president, has repeatedly underscored his opposition to legalizing marijuana, viewing it as a gateway to the abuse of other drugs. But he is in favor of treating addicted drug users. [Read more at Cherry Hill Courier-Post]