Bill could authorize sale of beverages with hemp and THC in New Jersey liquor stores

New Jersey lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that could significantly alter the state market for hemp-derived cannabinoids. The proposal allows beverages containing THC derived from hemp to be legally sold in liquor stores, as long as they meet specific regulatory criteria.

New Jersey Senate Bill No. 4509, approved by a state Senate committee this week, establishes a new regulatory framework for these products and repeals previous legislation related to psychoactive hemp. If passed by the Legislature, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) will be responsible for creating a licensing process that authorizes the sale of these beverages in establishments already licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

According to MJBizDaily, companies that currently hold wholesale or retail distribution licenses issued by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control will be allowed to continue operating until the CRC implements the new rules. After the regulations are published, manufacturers and retailers will have 120 days to comply. After this period, sales must be halted if there is no formal approval from the commission.

The proposal also nullifies previous attempts to restrict hemp-derived THC in New Jersey — measures that faced legal challenges — and aims to align state law with a broader ban on most hemp-derived THC products, set to take effect in November 2026.

The bill was approved by the state Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on December 15 and now moves to the Assembly for consideration.

While acknowledging that the proposal is not the most restrictive ever presented, industry representatives express concerns. Adam Terry, CEO of Cantrip, a hemp and THC beverage company based in Massachusetts, stated opposition to the bill for limiting sales only to beverages, prohibiting other hemp-derived products, and advancing regulatory deadlines. "It's not the worst bill I've ever seen," Terry said in a statement posted on social media, but emphasized that the proposal accelerates the implementation schedule to April, which could impact the sector.

According to Terry, the main criticism is not just about the content, but the legislative process. He told MJBizDaily that the bill was approved in committee before the full text was released, preventing meaningful public participation in the discussion. "If this is a good and important bill, why does the New Jersey Legislature need to do this in secret?" he questioned.

The information was initially reported by MJBizDaily.