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New Jersey Bill Aligning State Law with Federal Hemp Definition Heads to Governor for Signature.
New Jersey’s legislature has passed S.4509, and the bill is now headed to the Governor’s desk.
What the bill does, in practical terms:
• Redefines “hemp” to align with the evolving federal definition
• Excludes finished products containing more than 0.4 mg total THC per container
• Prohibits artificially or synthetically derived cannabinoids
• Imposes a 21+ age restriction
• Creates a temporary carve-out for intoxicating hemp beverages
Key timing to know:
• Through April 13, 2026
Existing hemp products above the new THC threshold may continue to be sold during a transition period.
• Beginning April 13, 2026
– Only Cannabis Regulatory Commission and ABC licensees may sell intoxicating hemp beverages
– A hemp beverage excise tax takes effect
– Tax rate is $3.75 per gallon at wholesale
– 10 mg THC per container cap applies
• Beginning November 13, 2026
– ABC licensees may no longer sell intoxicating hemp beverages
– Sales are limited to CRC licensees only
Key Takeaways:
• How Congress works with the Trump administration to redefine hemp following the December 18 executive order is the most important issue in hemp/cannabis today. This will ripple from federal law to state law in certain states.
• States are rewriting hemp statutes to track changes in federal law (some states are already linked).
• Intoxicating hemp products are being pushed into regulated cannabis channels.
