Starting this spring, all hemp farmers in New York will be able to start planting marijuana, but with a provisional license that will be previously granted by the state, this due to the upcoming opening of the adult market for the recreational use of this plant.
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, today signed legislation that has created a new conditional license for the cultivation of marijuana, which opens the door for farmers in the hemp can apply for it and begin cultivation soon, according to a statement.
“I am proud to sign this bill, which positions New York farmers to be the first to grow marijuana and launch the new safe, equitable and inclusive industry that we are building”, said Hochul.
According to the statement, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will create an application process and will 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 products,” said CMO Executive Director Chris Alexander.
Requirements to Grow Cannabis in New York
The law says that temporary licensed cannabis growers must meet certain requirements, including safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation, participation in a mentoring program of equi social ity and an agreement with a labor organization.
In March 2022, New York became the 15th state to adopt the measure, which will allow adults ages 21 years to have up to 3 ounces of marijuana inside or outside their homes, always for personal consumption.
Adults can also buy and grow up to 6 plants, 3 that have matured and another 3 in growth.
They may also smoke it in places where the use of cigarettes is allowed, as well as deliver quantities of the weed to other adults of 10 years or older , as long as there is no financial compensation.
Adults can also buy and grow up to 6 plants. (Photo: Angela Weiss / AFP / Getty Images)According to the law signed today, with this temporary permit New York 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 having a processor or distributor license, until June 1, 2023.
It is estimated that the new recreational marijuana industry could generate 300 millions of dollars in annual taxes and part of those funds must be invested in the minority communities affected by the sentences for possession of this drug.
Also read:
Governor Cuomo signs law approving recreational marijuana in New York
Senator Schumer promotes law to legalize marijuana in the United States
Democratic majority of the Senate of New York approved legalization of marijuana for recreational use in adults