TRENTON, NJ—Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy of District 7 (Burlington) has introduced legislation to prohibit the sale of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices at pharmacies and businesses with on-site pharmacies across New Jersey. This act seeks to supplement Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes, marking a significant move towards public health and safety.
The bill specifically targets the sale of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and any electronic smoking devices, including electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, or pipes, along with their cartridges or components, at any pharmacy practice site or business entity with a pharmacy on its premises. However, it makes exceptions for smoking cessation products approved by the FDA and for the sale of medical cannabis to registered qualifying patients by permitted dispensaries.
Violators of this new regulation would face a civil penalty ranging from not less than $250 for a first violation to $1,000 for the third and subsequent violations. Furthermore, the bill stipulates disciplinary actions against pharmacy practice sites and business entities for non-compliance. This legislation underscores New Jersey’s commitment to reducing tobacco and nicotine product accessibility, aiming to protect public health. The act is scheduled to take effect seven months after its enactment, setting a precedent for stringent tobacco sale regulations within the state.