Trenton, NJ — New Jersey lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would delay new THC restrictions on intoxicating hemp beverages while loosening some retail display rules and expanding where certain hemp-derived drinks can be sold.
The Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee advanced Assembly Bill A5051 with amendments on May 14, revising several pending restrictions involving hemp products, intoxicating hemp beverages, and medical cannabis sales.
The proposal pushes back key regulatory deadlines tied to THC content and sales restrictions that were originally scheduled to take effect later this month.
Bill Delays THC Restrictions Until November 2026
Under current New Jersey law, intoxicating hemp beverages face new THC limits beginning May 31, 2026, including caps of five milligrams of total THC per serving and 10 milligrams per container.
The amended bill would extend those restrictions until Nov. 13, 2026, giving producers, retailers, and regulators additional time before the stricter limits take effect.
Lawmakers also voted to revise future packaging rules for intoxicating hemp beverages beginning Nov. 13, 2026.
Under the amended proposal, products would be limited to:
- Cans containing no more than 10 milligrams of total THC per can
- Resealable 750-milliliter bottles containing up to 40 servings of five milligrams each, with a maximum of 200 milligrams of THC per bottle
The committee amendments specifically clarified that canned beverages cannot exceed 10 milligrams of THC per can.
Key Points
• New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill delaying THC restrictions on hemp beverages until Nov. 13, 2026.
• The proposal expands sales opportunities for certain bars and loosens some product display rules.
• Medical cannabis dispensaries could open adult-use retail operations without separate municipal approval under the bill.
Bars Could Expand Hemp Beverage Sales
The legislation would also broaden sales opportunities for intoxicating hemp beverages at certain bars licensed by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Under the bill, bars currently permitted to sell packaged alcohol for off-premises consumption could also sell intoxicating hemp beverages, provided they are not located within hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities, or bowling alleys.
The measure additionally removes a requirement forcing retailers to store hemp beverages behind counters or in locked areas inaccessible to customers without employee assistance.
Instead, the bill requires intoxicating hemp beverages to be displayed separately from alcoholic beverages and requires retailers to provide customers with serving-size information.
Lawmakers also included a provision allowing a 10% margin of error in laboratory testing results involving cannabinoid concentrations listed in product certificates of analysis.
Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Would Face Fewer Local Hurdles
The legislation also includes changes affecting New Jersey’s medical cannabis industry.
Under the proposal, an existing medical cannabis dispensary seeking to add an adult-use cannabis retail license at the same location would no longer require separate municipal approval if the municipality already permits medical cannabis dispensaries.
Supporters say the change would streamline expansion for existing operators while reducing duplicative local review processes.
Future Restrictions on Hemp Beverage Sales Remain
While the bill delays several restrictions, one major provision remains unchanged.
Beginning Nov. 13, 2026, intoxicating hemp beverages would no longer be permitted for sale through ABC-licensed businesses under existing state law. After that point, products sold by Cannabis Regulatory Commission licensees would be treated similarly to adult-use cannabis products.
The legislation now advances for further consideration in the New Jersey Legislature.
