The bill amends New Jersey legislation to regulate the production and sale of intoxicating hemp products, introducing new definitions and clarifications. It defines "Hemp" as Cannabis sativa L. with a total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis, and specifies that "Hemp product" must not exceed 0.5 milligrams of total THC per serving and 2.5 milligrams per package. The bill also establishes the term "Intoxicating hemp product," which refers to products derived from hemp that exceed specified THC limits and are regulated under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 or the New Jersey Hemp Farming Act. Additionally, it amends existing laws to remove marijuana from Schedule I of controlled substances, aligning with its legal status under the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act.

The legislation outlines the responsibilities of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the Department of Agriculture, and the Attorney General in overseeing the cannabis and hemp industries. It mandates that businesses selling intoxicating hemp products must obtain a Class 5 Cannabis Retailer license and comply with regulations regarding product testing, labeling, and age restrictions. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations and allows municipalities to designate repeated offenses as public nuisances, enabling operational restrictions. Furthermore, it requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to develop a public education program to inform businesses about the new regulations, with the provisions taking effect 180 days after enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:28-8, 24:6I-33, 24:21-5