This bill seeks to criminalize the unlicensed sale of marijuana and vapor products in New Jersey, establishing that individuals or businesses engaging in such activities will be guilty of a third-degree crime. Penalties include fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 to $250,000 for entities, with any marijuana or vapor products involved deemed contraband and subject to forfeiture. Additionally, businesses with more than two violations within a two-year period will be classified as public nuisances, allowing municipalities to impose operational restrictions or closures. The bill also introduces penalties for selling flavored vapor products, categorizing violations based on quantity sold, and amends existing laws to classify unlicensed sales as racketeering activities.

Moreover, the bill defines key terms such as "limited vapor product retailer" and "vapor product," and stipulates that only licensed entities may sell these products at retail. It introduces significant penalties for unlicensed sales, including fines and criminal offenses based on the quantity sold. The bill allows for the seizure of unlawfully possessed vapor products, declaring them as prima facie contraband, and empowers municipalities to regulate vapor businesses through local ordinances. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance public health protections by restricting access to flavored vapor products and ensuring that only licensed entities can operate in this market, addressing concerns related to youth access and public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 54:40B-2, 54:40B-3.3, 54:40B-3.8, 54:40B-3.9