Bill May Allow Sale of Hemp and THC Beverages in New Jersey Liquor Stores
Proposal creates a new regulatory framework, authorizes sales in liquor stores, and reignites criticism over the legislative process in New Jersey.
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 hemp-derived THC to be legally sold in liquor stores, provided they meet specific regulatory criteria.
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 approved 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 to sell alcoholic beverages.
According to MJBizDaily, companies currently holding 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 cease if formal approval from the commission is not obtained.
The proposal also nullifies previous attempts to restrict hemp-derived THC in New Jersey—measures that have faced legal challenges—and seeks to align state legislation with a broader ban on most hemp-derived THC products set to take effect in November 2026.
The bill was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on December 15 and is now headed for analysis by the Assembly.
While acknowledging that the proposal is not the most restrictive ever presented, industry representatives express concern. Adam Terry, CEO of Cantrip, a hemp and THC beverage company based in Massachusetts, stated that he opposes the bill for limiting commercialization to beverages only, prohibiting other hemp-derived products, and accelerating regulatory timelines. “It’s not the worst bill I’ve ever seen,” Terry said in a statement posted on social media, but emphasized that the proposal speeds up the implementation timeline to April, which could impact the sector.
According to Terry, the biggest criticism is not just about the content but about the legislative process. He told MJBizDaily that the bill was approved in committee before the full text was released, which may have hindered qualified public participation in the debate. “If this is a good and important bill, why does the New Jersey Legislature need to do this behind closed doors?” he questioned.
The information was initially published by MJBizDaily.