NJ-CRC SAYS IT HAS NO POWER OVER SMOKE SHOPS
The NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) released a social media post saying they do not regulate NJ smoke shops selling intoxicating hemp weed.
“The NJ-CRC only regulates licensed cannabis businesses and does not have enforcement powers over unlicensed cannabis, CBD, and other kinds of smoke shops,” they wrote in the caption.
Notably, the NJ-CRC issue a warning against the sales of artificial intoxicating hemp and selling to minors last year. These seemed directed at smoke shops.
A law was passed in 2024 and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy (D) that seemed design to ban smoke shops from selling intoxicating hemp and giving the NJ-CRC control over them. However, a lawsuit was pursued by intoxicating hemp interests to prevent the ban successfully. An appeal was launched. So the parties have been in ongoing negotiations.
NJ SMOKE SHOP AND INTOXICATING HEMP SALES RULES
The Department of Agriculture handles hemp growing, processing, and handling. Home grow advocates said at a hearing in June that they should have more power over hemp versus the NJ-CRC.
The NJ Department of the Treasury seems to regulate tobacco sales.
The NJ Attorney General is supposed to address unlicensed cannabis
““The person with the best product is going to end up on top. The little guys are going to go out of business or whatever,” NJWeedman noted.”
Cannabis dispensary advocates and owners are not happy about the ongoing competition with intoxicating hemp. Many are annoyed at the sheer cost and effort involved in opening a dispensary in contrast to a smoke shop. They also don’t have to comply with rules that kill a vibe to calm normie fears of influencing kids.