This bill amends New Jersey cannabis legislation to permit liquor stores to sell low dose THC beverages, defined as cannabis products containing less than 10 milligrams of THC per container. The legislation introduces new legal language that specifies the requirements for the sale of these beverages, including the necessity for sellers to hold a license from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission or a valid plenary retail distribution license. It also establishes strict conditions for sales, such as age restrictions, storage requirements, and limits on the quantity sold per transaction, while imposing civil penalties for violations. Additionally, the bill deletes references to intoxicating hemp beverages, ensuring a clear distinction in the regulatory framework.

Moreover, the bill outlines the establishment of the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund, which will collect fees and tax revenues from cannabis sales, with a portion allocated to municipalities defined as impact zones and social equity programs. It also addresses the licensing process for Class 5 Cannabis Retailers, focusing on disqualifying convictions and the approval process, while allowing for the operation of cannabis consumption areas and the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products until November 2026. The act is set to take effect upon the expiration of a related section of law on November 13, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-33, 24:6I-42, 24:6I-50