Delta 8 THC Cannabis Regulation Moves Forward in New Jersey

Bills regulating Delta 8 THC — commonly known as “intoxicating cannabis” — were put to a vote in the New Jersey legislature on July 1.

The bills have been passed by both the Assembly and the State Senate, with amendments allowing liquor stores to sell cannabis beverages with a license. To do so, the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) must now establish new regulations and issue a special license.

Legalization and licensing

Bill S3235 regulates the production and sale of certain intoxicating cannabis products. It was originally intended to regulate demand met by outlets, but the legislature amended it to allow large alcohol companies to compete.

Now, the state CRC will oversee the licensing process for liquor stores to sell cannabis beverages alongside their regular offerings. Although expedited, the bill’s approval fundamentally changes the landscape for adults using cannabis products.

On the bright side, regulation will help ensure products are tested and meet quality standards. In this way, New Jersey has addressed the important issue of how to deal with Delta 8 synthetic compounds.

Amendments to benefit the alcohol industry

Amendments to allow liquor stores to sell cannabis beverages have sparked significant debate. The move is seen as a victory for the alcohol industry, giving them a new product line and potentially increasing their customer base.

However, the amendment has been met with criticism from cannabis advocates who say it undermines the specialized regulatory framework designed for cannabis products. The bill specifies that cannabis products cannot contain more than 0.5 milligrams of total THC per serving and 2.5 milligrams of total THC per container.

“Protecting drinking products is all the amendment says,” defended state Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz. But opponents like Susanna P. Short say, “I have yet to hear a convincing argument as to why liquor stores need to participate in the sale of THC,” HeadyNJ reports.

Marijuana Pharmacies vs. Liquor Stores

The hearing was a heated debate. Among other things, Bill Caruso supported the bill but opposed the alcohol amendment. He stressed the need for the NJCRC to regulate THC levels and criticized the unregulated sale of Delta 8 THC cannabis in liquor stores.

“This is being sold now, unregulated, untested, and even to children in liquor stores,” Caruso exclaimed. “Do the right thing here. Get this bill before you as is. Work on separate legislation to establish how the alcohol industry enters the cannabis world properly tested, safe, regulated, and without the threat of being sold to children.”

Scott’s RudderNJCBA president, echoed concerns about public safety and inconsistencies in product ingredients. “There’s no such thing as intoxicating cannabis,” Rudder argued, noting that the limited amount of THC in the drinks won’t get you as high.

In the end, the alcohol industry lobbyists emerged victorious. Now the CRC will be tasked with issuing special licenses and monitoring alcohol stores that intend to sell the product.

Also Read: Real Weed or Lab High? Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC Explained

The Regulatory Debate Around Delta 8

The whole situation needs to be looked at more broadly.

Delta 8 THC is still largely unregulated in the U.S., making it widely available even in states where adult-use marijuana is illegal.

While it’s safe to say the main problem with Delta 8 is the lack of controlled manufacturing processes, we also don’t know much about the Delta 8 compound itself. Delta 8 became widespread after a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill led to hemp producers producing a chemical synthesis of the THC molecule, which is rare in the hemp plant but can be concentrated in the lab.

Delta 9, as opposed to Delta 8 THC, is what we call “just THC.” It occurs naturally in large amounts in hemp flowers, is federally banned, and (hopefully not for long) is classified as a controlled substance by the DEA.

So the unregulated status of Delta 8 raises safety concerns because the compound is not yet as widely studied. Products can be mislabeled and contain harmful contaminants.

Since Delta 8 is synthetically produced, this adds another layer of complexity. Finally, when unregulated, Delta 8 products end up in gas stations and it’s a profitable business.

Several states have taken different approaches to the Delta 8 situation. States like New York and Colorado have banned it outright, citing safety concerns and the need for better regulation. South Dakota has also banned the sale of Delta 8 and other unregulated cannabis products.

Other states, such as Connecticut, have imposed severe restrictions, while some have done nothing, allowing the product to remain in a legal gray area. New Jersey now allows its use in adult beverages.

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