On Oct. 10, 2024, a New Jersey Federal District Court made a big decision on hemp. The Court largely invalidated New Jersey’s recent attempt to tighten controls on “intoxicating hemp products” like Delta-8 and Delta-10, which were previously sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores without much oversight. The state had put forward amendments aimed at restricting these products to those over 21 and regulating them like cannabis. New Jersey argued that it was time to clamp down on these sales, citing public health concerns and the rising number of minors getting their hands on these potent, unregulated products.

NJ Gov. Phil Murphy had signed off on these amendments despite admitting the law wasn’t perfect. For him, protecting minors was the priority. And today, the Court shared that sentiment—partially. It kept in place only the part that prevents the sale of these products to minors.

As for the rest of the amendment? The Court struck it down. The reason? It found that New Jersey’s approach violated federal law, essentially treating hemp products from out-of-state differently from those produced locally under the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s new process. This selective control crossed the line, according to the Dormant Commerce Clause of the Constitution and provisions in the Federal Farm Act, which stops states from blocking the transport of hemp products.

The Court’s decision made it clear that New Jersey does have the power to regulate these sales, but the amendments need legislative fine-tuning to meet federal standards. So, while New Jersey’s push to regulate intoxicating hemp is on pause, this is far from over.

Here’s where the decision makes things complicated for sellers: By Oct. 12, shops were supposed to pull these hemp products from the shelves, including Delta-8 drinks and THC-A gummies. That means, until New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission issues new rules, those products are off-limits.

For anyone in the hemp or cannabis business in New Jersey, it’s a loud reminder—stay compliant, stay updated, and be ready to adapt quickly to changes.

by: Benjamin Sheppard of Norris McLaughlin P.A.
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