TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation today to regulate the sale of intoxicating hemp products and beverages, a move that addresses the growing presence of Delta-8 THC in unregulated markets. The bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Sen. Paul Moriarty, also prohibits the manufacture and sale of synthetic THC in New Jersey.
The new law targets a loophole that allowed businesses to sell intoxicating hemp products, often containing Delta-8 THC, without oversight. These products, while not classified as cannabis, have similar psychoactive effects and are widely available in convenience stores and gas stations.
“Today, New Jersey takes a major step to protect our children,” Ruiz said. “The lack of regulation of intoxicating hemp products and beverages has helped fuel a rise in cannabis-related hospitalizations.”
The bill, S-3235, places the regulation of these hemp products under the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), which will oversee licensing, testing, packaging, and sales. Retailers selling these products will be required to obtain a license and adhere to specific safety standards.
Additionally, the CRC will work with the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to regulate the sale of intoxicating hemp beverages, with specific guidelines on packaging, permitted THC levels, and sales limits. The sale of these products to individuals under 21 is prohibited immediately.
The legislation also bans synthetic THC, a lab-created compound not derived from natural cannabis plants, marking another step in regulating the industry.