New Jersey liquor stores have until November to sell hemp THC beverages.
But on Nov. 13, sales of all hemp THC products, including popular drinks, are restricted to state-licensed cannabis retailers under a bill Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently signed into law.
That’s after most all other hemp-derived products were reclassified as cannabis, with sales banned outside of the regulated cannabis market, according to the state.
The measure Sherill signed into law March 30 also prohibits the sale of intoxicating hemp products online, in vending machines and to anyone younger than 21.
And similar to the spending bill President Donald Trump signed into law in November that promises to ban nearly all hemp-derived cannabinoid products under federal law starting in November, New Jersey is redefining what constitutes “hemp” – and what doesn’t.
Are hemp THC beverages legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s new law is the latest example of states moving to rein in the largely unregulated hemp market born from the 2018 Farm Bill.
Lawmakers across the country are introducing stricter regulations on synthetic and hemp-derived THC.
Advocates say the hemp restrictions protect consumers, including children – and may also boost the regulated cannabis industry.
Starting on May 31, a hemp THC beverage is limited to:
- 5 milligrams of THC per serving
- 10 milligrams of THC per container
Beverages must also be tested by an accredited laboratory that has a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration license, according to the state.
What’s considered hemp in New Jersey?
Starting on April 13, a “hemp-derived cannabinoid product” is defined as “flower or products that are derived from hemp” that contain less than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, or total THC of 0.3% or less.
Who can sell hemp products in New Jersey?
These products can be sold by legal cannabis retailers, but only if they comply with packaging and testing requirements.
The state is encouraging hemp product-makers or sellers who want to sell these newly redefined products to obtain cannabis retail permits.
Is delta-8 THC legal in New Jersey?
Also starting on April 13, nearly all delta-8 THC products and products containing other so-called “novel cannabinoids” derived via chemical synthesis are also banned.
The law expressly forbids “(p)roducing, selling, or distributing cannabinoids that were synthesized using a chemical process,” according to the state.
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What does new law mean for alcohol retailers?
Under rules that took effect Monday, alcohol and cannabis licensees can continue selling intoxicating hemp beverages, provided they meet strict packaging limits, including a maximum container volume of 750 milliliters.
THC products are not legal at convenience stores or gas stations under the new law, which also does not relax marijuana regulations or permit home cultivation of the plant, according to NorthJersey.com.
After the November deadline, alcohol retailers must clear the products from their shelves.
From then on, the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission will treat intoxicating hemp like it does traditional marijuana products, restricting sales to licensed cannabis retailers.
