Efforts to ban the retail sale of full-spectrum hemp products, limiting these products to licensed cannabis dispensaries, is ramping up. NJ S3235 states:
Under the bill, a person is prohibited from selling or distributing a hemp product unless the person is licensed by the commission and the product complies with CREAMMA [Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act] and any commission regulations. Further, it is unlawful to sell or distribute a hemp product or cannabis item that is not derived from naturally occurring biologically active chemical constituents.
Under the bill, it is unlawful, except as otherwise provided by law, to sell or distribute a product that contains THC to any person under the age of 21.
The bill establishes the penalties for an owner or operator of a business who sells an intoxicating hemp product in violation of the bill. The penalties are as follows:
- for a first offense, a fine of not less than $100;
- for a second offense, a fine of not less than $1,000; and
- for a third offense, a fine of not less than $10,000.
Each product sold in violation of this bill constituents an additional separate and distinct offense.
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable explained that, if enacted, this bill "would reduce economic opportunities for hemp farmers and businesses and destroy New Jersey’s hemp industry." They have issued a call to action to ask the NJ Governor to veto the bill, stressing: "Even if you aren’t a New Jersey resident or business, please share this page with your friends, colleagues, customers, and social media contacts in the state. Help us build our Hemp Supporter armies to assist us in these battles, which have a national impact." Take action here.
