Hemp-derived THC beverages could be legally sold in New Jersey liquor stores under certain restrictions if bill currently working its way through the state Legislature becomes law.
Senate Bill 4509, which passed a state Senate committee on Monday, would establish a regulatory framework for the products while repealing previous laws related to intoxicating hemp.
If passed, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) would be required to establish a licensing process allowing liquor stores to sell hemp-derived beverages.
Business that hold wholesale or retail distribution licenses from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control can continue to do so until the commission implements the new regulations.
Once the rules are released, manufacturers and retailers will have 120 days to comply and must stop sales unless they receive commission approval.
The proposed legislation would cancel out prior attempts to reel in hemp-derived THC in New Jersey, which have drawn legal challenges, and it would align state law with a looming ban on most hemp-derived THC products, set to take effect in November 2026.
‘Not the worst bill’ but still hemp beverage CEO still opposed
The bill passed the state Senate‘s Budget and Appropriations Committee Dec. 15.
Adam Terry, CEO of Massachusetts-based hemp THC beverage maker Cantrip, said in a post on X that it’s not the worst bill he’s seen but opposes it because it bans all hemp products except beverages and accelerates the timeline to April, among other measures.
He said he expects the New Jersey Assembly to hear the bill today.
But Terry’s biggest gripe is how the bill moved forward.
“Bill was voted out of committee in the Senate Monday BEFORE they even released the text of it, so the public couldn’t develop coherent testimony,” Terry posted.
“If this is a good and important bill, why does the NJ Legislature need to do this in the dark of the night? Why do they need to do it without releasing the text in a timely manner or having a real debate on it?”
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