Governor Kathy Hochul took a significant step towards expediting adult-use cannabis cultivation in New York by signing S. 08084 into law on February 22, 2022. The legislation specifically targets existing hemp farmers in the state, allowing them to apply for conditional licenses to cultivate cannabis during the 2022 growing season.

According to the new law, hemp farmers who were already licensed with the Department of Agriculture as of December 31, 2021, can now grow cannabis within certain parameters. They are permitted to cultivate up to 43,500 square feet outdoors, 25,000 square feet in greenhouse facilities, or a combination of both, not exceeding 30,000 square feet. However, to be eligible for cultivation and minimal processing of cannabis until June 2023, these hemp businesses must meet environmental sustainability, labor peace, and equity criteria. Additionally, hemp businesses that receive provisional licenses are required to commence operations within six months of receiving the license. After June 2023, these businesses must apply for cultivator or processor licenses.

The need for this legislation arose due to the sluggish pace of retail licensing, which resulted in cannabis farmers accumulating substantial amounts of cannabis with no legal market to sell it in. With the new law, Governor Hochul aims to provide hemp farmers with a pathway to utilize their crops effectively and contribute to the state’s emerging adult-use cannabis industry.

By signing this bill, Governor Hochul demonstrates her commitment to streamlining the cultivation process and facilitating a thriving legal market for adult-use cannabis in New York.

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