Moriarty Issues Statement on Signing of Bill to Regulate Sale of Intoxicating Hemp Products and Prohibit the Manufacture and Sale of Synthetic THC

The signing of bill S-3235 into law is one more step we can take to protect our children and grandchildren from a dangerous and unpredictable substance. The regulation of Delta THC, a synthetic, is a long-overdue outcome I have been working toward for about a couple of years now, and I am glad to see it finally come to fruition,” said Senator Paul Moriarty.

Under the bill, intoxicating hemp products would be placed under the regulatory purview of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) and regulated in the same manner as cannabis products.

Specifically, sellers of intoxicating hemp products would need to obtain a license from the CRC and comply with the CRC’s rules and regulations concerning licensing, testing, selling, and packaging.

The sale of intoxicating hemp products with any detectable amount of THC to a person under 21 years of age would also be prohibited under the new law.

"Unlike natural THC found in cannabis, lab-made synthetic THC can cause dangerous and unpredictable side effects like rapid heart rate or seizures, which can lead to hospitalization, "added Senator Moriarty, who first began working on the issue while serving in the General Assembly and has made it a priority. “Banning synthetic THC in New Jersey will protect the health and safety of cannabis users and reduce the amount of synthetic cannabis-related emergencies."

This law, like similar laws now on the books in more than 20 other states, will give us a real tool to combat a growing and imminent threat to our young people and our communities.