TRENTON, NJ – Heads up, New Jersey! A new bill is making waves in the Garden State, and it could soon change the game for THC-infused drinks. If you’ve been enjoying these beverages legally, things might be about to shift in a big way.
The bill aims to regulate the production and sale of “intoxicating hemp products,” specifically targeting those with THC concentrations over 0.5 milligrams per serving or 2.5 milligrams per package. Essentially, if your drink packs more of a punch than these limits, it could be banned from the shelves.
Here’s a quick rundown of what this bill means:
Definition of Intoxicating Hemp Products: Any hemp product with a THC concentration exceeding the stated limits falls under this new regulation.
Licensing Requirements: Sellers of these potent products will need a license from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission or a specific liquor license.
Prohibited Sales: The bill prohibits the sale of hemp products or cannabis items that aren’t derived from naturally occurring, biologically active chemical constituents.
Regulations and Penalties: The Cannabis Regulatory Commission will be in charge of setting rules on packaging, labeling, product testing, and THC amounts. Violators could face civil penalties and product confiscation.
Local Taxes: Intoxicating hemp beverages sold by liquor license holders will be subject to local taxes, with the revenue going to the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund.
This bill could significantly impact the availability of THC-infused drinks in New Jersey, especially those that are currently legal. If passed, the drinks you see today might be off the market tomorrow, making this a hot topic to watch in the coming months.