January 2026 | The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine 30
NJSACOP PRESIDENT CAGGIANO TESTIMONY BEFORE THE SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE – DECEMBER 15, 2025
NJSACOP Testimony in Support of S. 4509, which provides additional licensing eligibility for activities involving intoxicating hemp products. NJSACOP President Andrew Caggiano delivered his remarks on December 15 before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
“ Thank you to Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz for introducing this legislation. We know you have put a lot of work and thought into addressing the issue of hemp regulation and controlling hemp intoxicating products, especially illegal sales and minors’ access to these products. Members of New Jersey’ s law enforcement have seen an alarming increase on the open sale of these products and confiscation of these products from minors.
This bill appears to enhance safety, particularly for juveniles, and provide clarity and accountability regarding the sale of hemp derived products. Law enforcement has witnessed an alarming increase in the open sale of Delta-8 THC and other chemically altered substances in gas stations and convenience stores. These unregulated substances, and often their sale, lack age restrictions, potency testing, oversight, and like vapes, are marketed to attract juveniles. All of these pose a significant public safety risk that the legislation seeks to address.
The legislation appears to also close loopholes that previously allowed the sale of such products. Since the legalization of cannabis in New Jersey, the State has established strict licensing and product control regulations, but these hemp intoxicating products have existed outside of the law. Now, such unregulated sales and manufacturing of products which exist outside the regulatory framework is a violation of federal law. This legislation will provide law enforcement with the legal backing to effectively address the sale of these hazardous substances.
Since we agree THC infused products are a significant concern, placing them under the regulatory authority of the CRC and limiting their potency levels will improve safety and limit the ability for juveniles to illegally purchase.
Thank you again, and I am happy to answer any questions from the law enforcement perspective.”