New Jersey’s marijuana regulators accept public comments on proposed regulations to expand the types edible cannabis products which can be sold in licensed shops. These include beverages, chocolates and baked goods.
The state’s current legalization law limits cannabis edibles to nonperishable products like lozenges and pills, a very limited selection compared to the other states that allow adult use.
After a few months of allowing the sale of other edible marijuana types by regulators, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has now opened a public 60-day comment period. The proposed rules codify infused products for medical and recreational shops.
In a recent press release, NJ-CRC’s Executive Director Jeff Brown stated that edible cannabis products could be a convenient and alternative way for adults to get cannabis. The proposed regulations will establish guidelines for their production, labeling and sale.
The comments may cover a variety of aspects of the proposed regulation to ensure the final rules represent the best interests of consumers and industry. The public is invited to comment at https://t.co/T0P7Ly7rCR. pic.twitter.com/AYabLG0pRp
New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission October 17, 2020
The proposal would amend the current rules to allow for the sale of single-serving beverages that contain up to 5 milligrams “active THC” as well as shelf stable foods such as “chocolates and gummies,” “baked goods, butters, jellys, and jams,”
The workers who produce the edibles will need to receive additional training in food safety, including “causes of food-borne illness and how to prevent them.”
NJ-CRC has also suggested to allow ingestible cannabis leaves in the form of products for sale. The products could still not resemble “realistic, fictional, human, animal or fruit or any part thereof including artistic, cartoon or caricature renderings.”
The rules are a part of the NJ-CRC’s September policies aimed at increasing product offerings on the New Jersey cannabis markets, regulators stated. The proposed edible rules include key components that will increase the variety, safety and quality of edibles.
By the deadline of December 15, the public, stakeholders, and experts will be encouraged to provide feedback about the new regulations.
—
Marijuana Moment tracks more than 1,000 cannabis and drug policy bills that have been introduced in state legislatures, and Congress. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25/month gain access to our interactive charts, maps and hearing calendar.
Discover more about our marijuana bills tracker. Become a Patreon supporter to gain access.
—
In a separate announcement, regulators announced a new campaign to promote public safety and health around the state’s legalization law. This effort will, in part involve encouraging adults using cannabis delivery services to reduce the risk of driving while impaired.
Last month, applications for licenses such as wholesalers and delivery services were opened. Regulators will begin by giving priority to people who have suffered disproportionately from cannabis prohibition enforcement.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced this month that they will be awarding 12 million dollars in grant money to 48 licensed marijuana operators, to help them launch and expand their business. The state is trying to eliminate barriers for people to enter the legal cannabis industry, particularly those from communities that have been disproportionately affected by the drug-war.
Gov. Gov.
Last month, state regulators started accepting public comments about a proposal to create a permit that would allow “clinically-focused” dispensaries to enter into partnerships to carry out marijuana studies with products they sell or grow to patients.
Separately there are concerns about the current cannabis supply in the state, as consumers have complained of high prices. The upcoming wholesaler, distributor and delivery service licensing expansion may help to address this issue.
Jersey City, as the state continues to work on its cannabis legalization law, has pushed back against a rule that allows police officers to use marijuana while off duty. The city filed a lawsuit last week against the rule, which the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police described in a press release as “an unfortunate misuse of taxpayer dollars”.
Rhode Island Cannabis Commission chair downplays errors in state’s monthly marijuana sales data
Photo by Pexels/Kindel Media.
The first time Marijuana moment published the article New Jersey regulators seek input on expanding marijuana edibles to include infused drinks, baked goods and more.
