New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) on Monday signed a bill that increases allowed THC limits for hemp beverages sold in the state to 10 milligrams. The legislation also allows licensed hemp producers to possess cannabinoid products with THC levels above 0.3%, so long as they are not intended for direct consumers and meet safety requirements.
The legislation also outlaws the sale of intoxicating hemp products online or via vending machines; imposes a 750-millileter container cap on hemp beverages; and requires intoxicating hemp products that contain 10 milligrams of THC or more to feature resealable packaging.
The bill also dictates that newly-produced hemp-derived THC products must undergo laboratory testing prior to sale starting April 13, and carry a certificate of analysis. The legislation includes a $100 per container fine for businesses that sell such products without the certificate.
The legislation gives Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control and Cannabis Regulatory Commission licensees until November 13 to deplete their current inventory and transition to the new packaging and container rules.
The bill aims to align the state’s hemp program with federal rules signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) last year. Those rules are set to take effect this November.
