Since the passage of the Farm Bill by the U.S. Congress back in 2018, intoxicating hemp products have been sold in New Jersey and throughout the rest of the country. The products (sold as gummies, candies, cookies and drinks) contain low levels of THC, the psychoactive substance in marijuana. This has put consumers in confusing and potentially harmful situations, as these products are being sold without any meaningful regulation, testing or safety standards.

Now, legislation just passed by the New Jersey Legislature and signed by Governor Murphy will place considerable restrictions on future sales. Some of the provisions noted in the law include:

• Establishing a definition of hemp products that is now in accordance with recent federal legislation.
• Prohibiting the sale of any product with a detectable amount of THC to those under the age of 21.
• Restricting the sales of intoxicating hemp beverages to businesses licensed by the Alcohol Beverage Commission (ABC) or the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Businesses without such licenses are being given a window of opportunity (60 days) to sell out their inventory, and then in November of this year, ABC licensed businesses will also be prohibited from selling intoxicating hemp beverages.

The legislation, if strictly enforced, will eliminate the sales of these products being sold at gas stations, convenience stores and other stores, thereby reducing the chance our youth will have easy access to these products.

“The need for clarity in the law and stronger protections for intoxicating hemp products is both urgent and essential,” Debra Bradley, Director of Government Relations for the NJ Principals and Supervisors Association, recently told Insider NJ. “Our members at the high school, middle school, and elementary school levels attest to the serious health emergencies that have occurred due to the use of these products in underage students in their school buildings. We strongly support this measure to protect students from harm so that educators, students, and parents are not put in unsafe and unpredictable situations.”

To assist parents, teachers, coaches and other adult caregivers in the ongoing need for education on this issue,  please consider scheduling the  15 Minute Child Break Presentation, for your school, community or faith-based organization. This free multi-media program covers the latest drug trends and provides parents, coaches, teachers and other adult caregivers with effective preventive strategies to communicate with their kids about substance use and misuse.