Albany, N.Y. – In a significant move, New York has approved 52 licenses that will enable hemp farmers to kickstart their marijuana cultivation for the state’s upcoming adult market. The licenses were granted by the state Cannabis Control Board under a recent law that allows hemp cultivators to grow marijuana for the legal recreational market for a two-year period. Hemp, known for its lower levels of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, provides a favorable starting point for farmers venturing into the cannabis industry.

With the licenses now in place, farmers can make the most of this year’s growing season and expect a harvest by October, according to Allan Gandelman, a hemp grower from Cortland and the president of the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association. Gandelman, who himself received a license, emphasizes the limited timeframe available for planting cannabis in the region, with most farmers initiating the process between May and June.

Under the approved licenses, farmers will have restrictions on the size of their cultivation areas. They can opt for one acre (0.4 hectares) of flowering canopy outdoors or a slightly smaller space in a greenhouse. Additionally, farmers have the flexibility to divide their cultivation between outdoor and greenhouse setups.

Governor Kathy Hochul views these conditional cultivation licenses as a means to “jump-start” what is expected to become one of the largest legal marijuana markets in the country. While recreational use of marijuana was legalized in New York a year ago, statewide retail sales are still a few months away. State officials have indicated that initial sales may commence by the end of the year, starting with a program that grants licenses to individuals impacted by marijuana-related convictions. Full regulations for the adult-use market are anticipated to be released this summer.

Furthermore, the law mandates licensees to provide training for individuals from marginalized groups, including people of color, women, disabled veterans, and others classified as social equity applicants by the state. Governor Hochul highlights the significant role of New York’s farms, which have been the backbone of the state’s economy since before the American Revolution, emphasizing their central position in building the most equitable cannabis industry in the nation.

The approval of these licenses marks a crucial step forward for New York’s cannabis industry, setting the stage for a dynamic and inclusive market that aims to benefit both farmers and the wider community.

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