New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said signing a measure creating a new Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Cultivator license positions farmers to be the first to grow cannabis and jumpstart the industry.
The action enables existing New York hemp farmers to apply for a conditional license to grow cannabis in the 2022 growing season for the forthcoming adult-use cannabis market.
“I am proud to sign this bill,” Hochul said. “New York State will continue to lead the way in delivering on our commitment to bring economic opportunity and growth to every New Yorker in every corner of our great state.”
Through the legislation, conditionally licensed cannabis farmers are mandated to meet varied requirements that include safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly cultivation practices; social equity mentorship programming participation; and engagement in a labor peace agreement with an authentic labor organization.
“Last year, after many years of fighting, we finally enacted the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), and are beginning to undo the devastating impacts over ninety years of unequal enforcement of marijuana prohibition had on too many lives and communities,” Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D-Dist. 141) said. “MRTA ensures that the legal adult-use market will be centered on equity and economic justice for communities of color and individuals that have been harmed most by the War on Drugs in the State of New York. With the passage of this bill, we have the opportunity to create a responsible start to the adult-use cannabis industry by authorizing temporary conditional cultivator and processor licenses to current New York hemp farmers.”
Per the legislation, farmers can grow outdoors or in a greenhouse for up to two years from issuing the license while manufacturing and distributing cannabis flower products without an adult-use processor or distributor license until June 1, 2023.