Hemp growers in New York will be able to start growing marijuana starting this spring, with a provisional license granted by the state, with a view to the next opening of the adult market for the recreational use of that plant.
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation that has created a new conditional marijuana cultivation license, opening the door for hemp farmers to apply and begin cultivation soon.
“I am proud to sign this bill, which positions New York farmers to be the first to grow marijuana and jump-start the safe, equitable and inclusive new industry we are building,” Hochul said in a message on social media. .
“This bill is an important step as it puts New York’s farmers first and jump-starts our new cannabis industry,” the governor added.
Today I’m proud to sign legislation that opens the path for New York’s hemp farmers to apply for a conditional license to grow cannabis for the adult-use cannabis market.
This bill is an important step, putting New York’s farmers first & jumpstarting our new cannabis industry. https://t.co/JYWuqCveWf
— Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) February 22, 2022
According to the release, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will create a license application process and open the program as soon as possible.
“With this bill, we are putting New York farmers, not large corporations, at the forefront of our industry while protecting public health by delivering safely grown produce,” said CMO Executive Director Chris Alexander.
Under the law, temporary-licensed cannabis growers must meet certain requirements, including safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices, participation in a social equity mentoring program and an agreement with a labor organization.
“This authority will help ensure enough safe, regulated and environmentally friendly cannabis products to meet the demand of the adult cannabis market when retail dispensaries open,” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples- Stokes.
“Importantly, this legislation calls for a Social Equity Mentor Program, which will create a viable and inclusive pathway for social and economic equity partners interested in cannabis cultivation and processing to gain invaluable knowledge and experience in this industry.” emerging,” added Peoples-Stokes.
In March of last year, New York became the fifteenth state to adopt the measure, which will allow adults over the age of 21 to have up to 3 ounces of marijuana inside or outside their homes, always for personal consumption; they will be able to buy and grow up to six plants, three that have matured and another three in growth.
They may also smoke it in places where the use of cigarettes is allowed, as well as deliver quantities of the herb to other adults 21 years of age or older, as long as there is no financial compensation.
According to the law signed today, with this temporary permit farmers will be able to grow the plant outdoors or in a greenhouse for up to two years from the issuance of the license.
It will also allow them to manufacture and distribute cannabis flower products without holding a processor or distributor license, until June 1, 2023.
It is estimated that the new recreational marijuana industry could generate 350 million dollars in annual taxes and part of those funds should be invested in minority communities affected by convictions for possession of this drug.
–
