Bill > A5051

This bill revises regulations concerning hemp and intoxicating hemp beverages, extending the timeframe for certain sales and clarifying product standards. Specifically, it amends existing laws to allow the sale of intoxicating hemp beverages by holders of plenary wholesale, plenary retail distribution, or plenary retail consumption licenses until November 13, 2026, after which they will be subject to stricter regulations. The bill also modifies the container requirements for intoxicating hemp beverages, specifying that they can be sold in cans containing no more than 10 milligrams of total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per can, or in 750-milliliter resealable bottles containing up to 200 milligrams of THC per bottle, with specific serving size limits. Furthermore, it clarifies that a certificate of analysis must accompany intoxicating hemp beverages, certifying the THC content per serving and container, and allows for a 10% variance in these amounts. The bill also addresses municipal regulations for cannabis establishments, clarifying that existing medical cannabis dispensaries applying for adult-use retail licenses will not require new municipal review if the municipality already permits medical cannabis sales, and prohibits municipalities from blocking the retail sale of cannabis items by medical dispensaries that have been lawfully operating for at least three years prior to the bill's enactment. Finally, it adjusts the display and sale requirements for intoxicating hemp beverages, allowing them to be accessible to customers if certain conditions are met, including segregation from other alcoholic beverages and age verification at the point of sale.