Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Friday allowing New Jersey to enact an industrial hemp program.
The law establishes a program for the cultivation, handling, processing, transport, and sale of hemp; and also repeals the New Jersey Industrial Hemp Pilot Program enacted in the fall.
“Garden State farmers are now able to increase and diversify their crop yield through cultivating industrial hemp,” said Sen. Steven Oroho, R-24th District, in a statement. “Found in more than 25,000 products, the versatile and profitable hemp plant will encourage new business growth and boost the state’s agricultural economy. With burdensome federal and state regulations removed, New Jersey farmers can greatly benefit from this potential billion-dollar industry.”