New Jersey Cannabis Regulators Seek Input on Proposed Edibles Rules

Before New Jersey cannabis regulators change the rules to expand the types of ingestible products allowed in the licensed marketplace, they’re opening their proposal to public comment through Dec. 15.

The rule changes are part of policies adopted by the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) during its regular meeting in September. Key components of the proposed edible rules will enhance the variety, safety and quality of edible products, according to the CRC.

Notably in the state’s adult-use market, the proposed rules would:

• Expand the types of edible cannabis products;
• Allow shelf-stable products;
  • Examples: chocolates, gummies, baked goods, butters, jams, jellies and single-serve beverages.
• Require products to be made by Class 2 manufacturers and require staff to be trained in food safety;
• Prohibit products with alcohol, tobacco or nicotine (or any controlled “dangerous” substance);
• Prohibit any product that would require further cooking or baking preparation by the consumer or storage in sterile environments;
• Maintain existing THC limits for foods while beverages would be limited to 5 milligrams of THC;
• Require products to be made uniformly; and
• Require nutrition labels, expiration dates and use-by information to be added to products.
  

In addition, the products can contain ingredients that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration generally recognize as safe (GRAS). Businesses and employees must comply with food safety regulations and good manufacturing practices (GMP) when manufacturing cannabis items, according to the CRC.

“We believe that cannabis edibles have the potential to provide an alternative and convenient method for adults to access cannabis, and the proposed regulations aim to establish clear guidelines for their responsible production, labeling and sale,” CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown said in a public statement.

Comments may address various aspects of the proposed regulations to ensure that the final rules reflect the best interests of both consumers and the industry, according to the CRC.

The public is invited to comment at njcrcgov.info/law