New Jersey liquor store owners can now sell low-dose THC beverages using their existing ABC license—but only if they act before a key deadline.
Most New Jersey liquor store owners don't realize that a provision buried in bill A5338 may have just opened a new revenue stream for their business—without requiring them to jump through the usual cannabis licensing hoops.
Here's what changed: Under Section 7 of A5338 (which amends R.S.33:1-12), holders of a plenary retail distribution license—that's your standard liquor store license—are now authorized to sell low-dose THC beverages directly to consumers. The catch is minimal: the beverages must contain no more than 10 milligrams of THC per container.
If you hold a plenary retail distribution license from New Jersey's Alcoholic Beverage Control board, this applies to you. You do not need to obtain a separate cannabis retailer license from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to sell these products. You can use your existing ABC license and your current retail infrastructure.
If you don't hold a plenary retail distribution license—for example, if you're a grocery store, gas station, or other retailer—this provision does not apply to you.
The practical benefit is straightforward: a new product category you can stock and sell without additional state licensing. No separate application to the CRC. No separate compliance regime. The products fall under your existing ABC regulatory framework.
This creates an immediate opportunity to capture sales from a growing consumer segment interested in low-dose THC beverages, using shelf space and checkout systems you already have in place.
This is important: the provision becomes effective on November 13, 2026, upon the expiration of Section 11 of P.L.2025, c.215 (C.24:6I-48.5). That's the deadline. Until then, the temporary restrictions remain in place.
If you're considering this as part of your product mix, now is the time to understand the regulatory requirements, supplier relationships, and inventory decisions you'll need to make before that date.
Review your current ABC license to confirm you hold a plenary retail distribution license. If you do, familiarize yourself with the 10 mg THC per container limit and any other rules the ABC board issues as implementation guidance. Connect with potential suppliers of compliant low-dose THC beverages. Consider whether this product category makes sense for your customer base and store layout.
The state has not yet issued detailed guidance on labeling, age verification, or point-of-sale procedures specific to low-dose THC beverages sold under ABC licenses, so expect clarification as the November 2026 date approaches.
This is a straightforward expansion of what your existing license permits. The state is not requiring you to become a cannabis retailer to participate. That's the key distinction—and the opportunity.
Source: New Jersey bill A5338, Section 7 (amending R.S.33:1-12, Plenary retail distribution license, paragraph 3.a.); effective November 13, 2026.