New JerseyA5051221st Legislature (2026-2027)HouseWALLET

Revises certain restrictions concerning hemp, intoxicating hemp beverages, and medical cannabis.

Sponsored By: Robert J. Karabinchak (Democratic), Annette Quijano (Democratic), Nicholas P. Scutari (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Hemp sellers face bans and fines

Beginning April 13, 2026, New Jersey bans selling, offering, or distributing specified hemp products unless another law allows them. This includes viable cannabis seeds from plants above 0.3% total THC by dry weight. Banned intermediate products include those with non-natural or synthesized cannabinoids, those above the 0.3% combined limit, and those marketed to consumers. Final products cannot contain prohibited non-natural or synthesized cannabinoids or exceed 0.4 milligrams of combined THC and similar-effect cannabinoids per container. These combined limits count THCA and cannabinoids with similar effects, as determined by federal health officials. Products sold as hemp must also meet the federal hemp THC limit. Beginning May 29, 2026, minimum civil fines are $100 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second, and $10,000 for each later violation. Each continuing day counts separately, multiple products can bring multiple fines, and applicable marijuana-related criminal penalties also apply.

Hemp drinks get testing and limits

Beginning May 31, 2026, permitted intoxicating hemp drink sales have container limits and required lab testing. Cans can contain no more than 10 milligrams of total THC. Resealable 750-milliliter bottles can contain 40 servings of 5 milligrams each, with no more than 200 milligrams total. Each sale or distribution must include a lab certificate showing THC per serving and container. The independent lab must meet state cannabis testing rules, be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and hold ISO 17025 accreditation for required tests. THC levels from 90% to 110% of the claimed amount comply. Sales without the certificate or with a nonconforming container carry a fine of at least $100 per container. The temporary sales permission ends November 13, 2026.

Hemp producers get temporary processing flexibility

Through November 13, 2026, state-authorized hemp producers and their agents can possess or transport intermediate products above 0.3% THC. The material must still be undergoing processing and cannot be intended for people or animals at that stage. Handling and transport must follow state cannabis commission safety and security rules. Any final product sold or distributed must meet allowed hemp THC levels.

Medical dispensaries gain local approval protections

Beginning May 29, 2026, permitted medical dispensaries can use prior town approval for an adult-use retail license at their existing location. The state cannabis commission cannot require another town review, consent, or approval when issuing or renewing that license. The town must allow medical cannabis sales, but it need not allow adult-use sales. Towns also cannot prohibit retail cannabis sales by qualifying medical dispensaries that operated lawfully there before July 1, 2023. Those dispensaries must have had no violation or notice of violation for at least three years before May 29, 2026. This protection applies despite local limits on dispensary numbers or locations.

Some bars can sell hemp drinks

Beginning May 29, 2026, holders of plenary retail consumption licenses can sell intoxicating hemp drinks for customers to take away. Drinks must stay in their original containers, and sales and displays must be in the licensed public barroom. Barrooms on premises also operating a hotel, restaurant, entertainment facility, or commercial bowling establishment are excluded. This sales permission ends November 13, 2026.

Hemp buyers lose online sales options

Beginning May 29, 2026, sellers cannot sell, offer, or distribute intoxicating hemp drinks or other hemp-derived cannabinoid products online. Intoxicating hemp drinks also cannot be dispensed, distributed, sold, or offered through vending machines. Vending-machine violations carry a civil fine of at least $100 per container, plus other applicable penalties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

William B. Sampson IV
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 74 • No: 23

Senate vote • 5/28/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 27 • No: 3

House vote • 5/18/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 47 • No: 20 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

Governor: APP
5/29/2026Governor
Approved by Governor — P.L.2026, c.13.
5/29/2026Governor
Passed Senate, PBH — (27-3)
5/28/2026Senate
Substituted for S4297 (1R)
5/28/2026Senate
Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate
5/21/2026Senate
Received in Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
5/18/2026Senate
Passed Assembly — (47-20-1)
5/18/2026House
Reported, 2nd Reading in Assembly
5/14/2026House
REP/ACA, Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
5/14/2026House
Introduced, 1st Reading in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
5/7/2026House

Bill Text

Version PL2026
9/17/2026
HTML PDF
Version AL2026
8/13/2026
HTML PDF
Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations (5/14/26 1R)
5/28/2026
HTML PDF
Senate Judiciary Substitute (5/21/26 1R)
5/22/2026
HTML PDF
5/21/26; 1R
5/21/2026
HTML PDF
As Introduced
5/15/2026
HTML PDF
Assembly Appropriations Substitute (5/14/26 1R)
5/15/2026
HTML PDF
Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Substitute (5/14/26)
5/15/2026
HTML PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation