New Jersey was the 42nd state to authorize hemp production.  In November 2018, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill to begin a pilot program for New Jersey farmers to produce industrial hemp. Under the bill, license holders are able to grow, process and distribute industrial hemp within the state.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) enacted its Hemp Farming Act in August of 2019 in compliance with the Farm Bill. By Dec. 27, 2019, New Jersey became one of the first states to receive the approval from the USDA to move forward with its hemp program. The goal of the program is to provide licenses for growing, processing, and handling hemp legally within New Jersey.

Under the current regulations, if the crop tests higher than the 0.3% THC regulatory limit it must be destroyed. New Jersey forthcoming regulations will mandate the sampling and crop destruction protocols.

In 2020, New Jersey had 59 licensed growers, 13 processors and 6 handlers and grew 89 varieties of hemp on 81 acres.

In 2021, 75 acres of hemp were planted and 41 harvested of which about 35 acres dedicated to industrial floral hemp. Flower production was estimated at 19,000 pounds with an average yield of 540 pounds per acre. The value of outdoor flower hemp was $3.90 million.

According to the National Hemp Report, 82 acres were planted in 2022.

New Jersey Hemp Industry Infographics

New Jersey Cannabis Market