The insider pointed his car toward Trenton on Monday morning, certain recreational marijuana was doomed.

He had heard the vote had inched closer to 18 or 19 but didn’t believe it.

The senate was still six votes shy of the required votes.

So it was dead on arrival.

He anticipated a conversation in caucus about whether or not Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) would post it.

There was some expectation of Senator Nick Scutari (D-22) – the bill’s sponsor – seeking a vote so the senate could see where everyone shakes out.

But the source said he expected Sweeney to yank it without the votes.

Expect Governor Phil Murphy, the source added, to follow up with an announcement about an expanded role for medical marijuana as an enticement those currently flummoxed on the issue.