The bill revises New Jersey's regulations concerning hemp, intoxicating hemp beverages, and medical cannabis, establishing new legal frameworks for their sale and distribution. It amends Section 8 of P.L.2025, c.215 to make it illegal to sell or distribute certain hemp-derived products exceeding specified THC levels starting April 13, 2026, while extending the deadline for hemp producers to possess or transport intermediate products with THC concentrations over 0.3 percent until November 13, 2026. The bill also prohibits the online sale of intoxicating hemp beverages and their distribution through vending machines, imposing civil penalties for violations. Additionally, it requires intoxicating hemp beverages to be sold in designated containers with a certificate of analysis confirming THC levels and allows municipalities to regulate cannabis establishments without restricting lawful medical cannabis dispensaries.

Further amendments streamline the licensing process for intoxicating hemp beverages and medical cannabis. Holders of plenary retail consumption licenses can sell intoxicating hemp beverages for off-premises consumption, provided sales occur only in designated areas. The bill also repeals the requirement for ABC licensees to store intoxicating hemp beverages in restricted areas and mandates separate display from alcoholic beverages. It facilitates the licensing process for medical cannabis dispensaries by allowing them to co-locate with existing dispensaries without additional municipal review in compliant municipalities. Overall, the bill aims to enhance regulatory clarity and safety in the hemp and cannabis markets while ensuring compliance with state laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:35-10, 24:6I-45, 24:6I-48.5, 33:1-12.23