Republican Gov. Chris Christie asked for the delay. The state Senate approved it 27-5 on Monday. The Assembly followed suit with a 71-1 vote with six abstentions Tuesday morning.
The Legislature passed earlier this year a law to allow patients with certain chronic conditions to buy pot from alternative treatment centers. Legal sales were to start in October.
The delay allows health officials to write regulations. It also may give politicians time to consider a different model for the program.
Christie has suggested having the marijuana grown at Rutgers University and distributed by hospitals.
Medical marijuana advocates oppose the delay.
