4. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto to the contrary, it is lawful for a hemp producer or its agent to cultivate, handle, or process hemp or hemp products in the State. Nothing in P.L.2019, c.238 (C.4:28-6 et al.) authorizes any person to violate a federal or State law, or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto to the contrary, it is lawful to possess, transport, sell, and purchase legally-produced hemp products in the State.
b. It is unlawful for a person or entity that is not a hemp producer or an agent of a hemp producer to cultivate, handle, or process living hemp plants or viable seeds, leaf materials, or floral materials derived from hemp. A person or entity that is not a hemp producer or an agent of a hemp producer, but who cultivates, handles, or processes living hemp plants or viable seeds, leaf materials, or floral materials derived from hemp, shall be subject to the same penalties as those related to marijuana.