NJ Hemp Ban Explained: What Changes on April 13, 2026
New Jersey banned intoxicating hemp products including delta-8, delta-10, and THCA. Learn what's legal after April 13, 2026 and why licensed dispensaries are unaffected.
Law Signed - January 12, 2026
Governor Murphy has signed New Jersey's intoxicating hemp ban into law. Retailers have until April 13, 2026 to sell remaining inventory. Licensed dispensaries are NOT affected.
If you have been buying delta-8 gummies, THCA flower, or THC drinks from smoke shops, gas stations, or convenience stores in New Jersey, those products are about to disappear from shelves. On January 12, 2026, Governor Phil Murphy signed a sweeping new law that bans most intoxicating hemp products in the state.
The law gives retailers a transition period until April 13, 2026 to sell remaining inventory. After that date, selling intoxicating hemp products without a license from the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission is illegal. Here is everything New Jersey consumers need to know about what is changing, what products are affected, and where you can still buy legal THC.
The Bottom Line
What Happened: The NJ Hemp Ban Explained
On January 12, 2026, Governor Murphy signed legislation sponsored by State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (D-29th District) and State Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22nd District). The law fundamentally redefines what qualifies as "hemp" in New Jersey, closing the loophole that allowed intoxicating products to be sold in unregulated stores.
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This created a loophole: manufacturers could produce intoxicating products like delta-8 THC (converted from CBD) that technically met the federal definition but still got users high. These products flooded smoke shops, gas stations, and even major retailers without any testing, quality control, or age verification requirements.
The new NJ law closes this loophole by redefining hemp to specifically exclude:
What Is Now Excluded From "Hemp" Definition
- Cannabinoids produced through chemical synthesis or conversion (like delta-8 from CBD)
- Cannabinoids that cannot be naturally produced by the hemp plant
- Any product containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container
- Any product containing intoxicating cannabinoids regardless of how they were produced
Products that fall outside the new hemp definition are now classified as "cannabis" under New Jersey law. This means they can only be legally manufactured and sold by businesses licensed by the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC).
Key Dates and Deadlines
January 12, 2026
Governor Murphy Signs the Law
The intoxicating hemp ban becomes official New Jersey law.
April 13, 2026
Transition Period Ends
Final day for retailers to sell intoxicating hemp products above the new THC limits. After this date, sales without a CRC license are illegal.
April 13, 2026
Liquor Store Exception Begins
ABC-licensed liquor stores can begin selling limited intoxicating hemp beverages (max 5mg THC/serving, 10mg/container).
November 13, 2026
Full Ban Takes Effect
All intoxicating hemp sales at gas stations, smoke shops, convenience stores, and liquor stores become illegal. Only licensed cannabis dispensaries can sell THC products.
Products Affected by the NJ Hemp Ban
The law targets hemp-derived products that produce intoxicating effects. Here is a breakdown of what is banned and what remains legal.
BANNED After April 13, 2026
- Delta-8 THC gummies, vapes, and flower
- Delta-10 THC products
- THCA flower and concentrates
- THC-O and HHC products
- Hemp-derived delta-9 THC products (above 0.4mg/container)
- Intoxicating hemp beverages (at smoke shops/gas stations)
- Any synthetically converted cannabinoid products
STILL LEGAL
- CBD oil, tinctures, and capsules (non-intoxicating)
- CBD topicals, lotions, and balms
- CBD pet products
- Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil (food products)
- Hemp fiber and textiles
- All products from licensed NJ cannabis dispensaries
- Cannabis products sold by CRC-licensed retailers
What About Hemp Beverages?
Intoxicating hemp beverages have a special exception. After April 13, 2026, licensed liquor stores can sell hemp beverages with up to 5mg THC per serving and 10mg per container until November 13, 2026. After that date, only licensed cannabis dispensaries can sell THC beverages.
New THC Limits Under the Law
The new law sets strict limits on what can be sold as "hemp" without a cannabis license.
| Product Type | Old Limit (Farm Bill) | New NJ Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Hemp Flower | 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight | 0.3% total THC (includes THCA) |
| Hemp-Derived Products | No limit per container | 0.4mg total THC per container |
| Synthetically Converted THC | Technically allowed | Completely banned |
| Hemp Beverages (Liquor Stores) | No state limit | 5mg THC/serving, 10mg/container (until Nov 2026) |
The key change is measuring total THC after decarboxylation, which includes delta-9, delta-8, delta-10, THCA, and all other THC isomers. This closes the THCA loophole where manufacturers sold high-THCA flower that converts to intoxicating THC when heated.
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Browse MenuWhy Licensed Dispensaries Are Completely Unaffected
If you shop at a licensed cannabis dispensary like The Library, nothing changes for you. The hemp ban specifically targets unlicensed retailers who have been selling intoxicating products without oversight. Licensed dispensaries have always operated under strict state regulation and are the only legal source for THC products going forward.
What Makes Licensed Dispensaries Different
State Licensing
Issued and monitored by the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission
Mandatory Testing
Every product tested for potency, pesticides, and contaminants
Accurate Labeling
THC content verified by third-party labs
Age Verification
Strict 21+ enforcement with government ID check
Seed-to-Sale Tracking
Full supply chain transparency and accountability
Consumer Protection
Regulated packaging, dosing, and safety standards
The Library: Your Licensed Local Dispensary
The Library holds NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228 issued by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. We have always sold tested, regulated cannabis products and are completely unaffected by the hemp ban.
Smoke Shop vs Licensed Dispensary: Know the Difference
Many consumers have been buying hemp-derived THC products from smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores without realizing the risks. Here is how those products compare to what you get at a licensed dispensary.
| Factor | Smoke Shop Products | Licensed Dispensary |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status (After April 2026) | ILLEGAL | LEGAL |
| Lab Testing | Often untested or falsely labeled | Mandatory third-party testing |
| THC Accuracy | Inconsistent, often inaccurate | Verified and accurate |
| Contaminants | May contain pesticides, heavy metals, solvents | Tested for contaminants |
| Age Verification | Often minimal enforcement | Strict 21+ ID check required |
| Staff Knowledge | General retail staff | Trained cannabis budtenders |
| Product Variety | Limited selection | Full range: flower, edibles, drinks, vapes, topicals |
Why This Matters
What Consumers Should Do Now
If you have been buying delta-8, THCA, or other hemp-derived THC products, here is what you need to know as the transition period ends.
Use Up Existing Products
Products you already purchased are not illegal to possess. Use what you have before April 13, 2026, but do not expect to find replacements at smoke shops.
Find a Licensed Dispensary
Visit a licensed NJ cannabis dispensary like The Library to continue purchasing legal THC products. We carry flower, edibles, drinks, vapes, and more.
Bring Your ID
Licensed dispensaries require government-issued ID proving you are 21 or older. No medical card is needed for recreational purchases.
Ask Questions
Our budtenders can help you find products similar to what you were buying. Tell us what effects you are looking for and we will make recommendations.
Expect Quality
Dispensary products are tested and accurately labeled. You will know exactly what you are consuming, which may mean adjusting your dosing.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Visit The Library in West Orange for tested, legal THC products. Our budtenders will help you find what you are looking for.
5 Washington Street, West Orange, NJ 07052|(862) 786-0886
Frequently Asked Questions: NJ Hemp Ban 2026
Is delta-8 THC legal in New Jersey in 2026?+
What is the NJ hemp ban of 2026?+
Are THCA products banned in New Jersey?+
Can I still buy THC gummies legally in NJ?+
What happens to stores selling hemp THC products after April 13, 2026?+
Are CBD products affected by the NJ hemp ban?+
Is The Library dispensary affected by the hemp ban?+
What about THC beverages and hemp drinks in NJ?+
Related Resources
The Safe, Legal Choice
Skip the confusion and uncertainty. Visit The Library for tested, regulated cannabis products from a licensed NJ dispensary.
Corey
Cannabis Educator & Content Specialist
The Library of New Jersey
Corey is a cannabis education specialist at The Library with 5+ years of experience helping customers navigate the New Jersey cannabis market. He creates engaging, accurate content about cannabis products, regulations, and wellness.
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Disclaimer: Cannabis products are for adults 21 and older only. Cannabis should be consumed responsibly. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence of cannabis. The effects of cannabis vary by individual. Start with a low dose and wait before consuming more. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The Library operates under NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228. For questions about NJ cannabis regulations, visit the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission.