New York State Farmers Can Now Apply To Grow Marijuana

Farmers in New York State can begin to apply to grow cannabis starting today. Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation, S.8084-A/A.9283-A, on February 22, 2022, to allow certain farmers to start growing the crop this season. The law creates a new Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Cultivator license. Existing hemp farmers in New York State can apply for licenses beginning today, March 15, 2022, according to the Office of Cannabis Management. On March 10, the Cannabis Control Board approved the opening of the application process for Conditional Cultivators. The application period runs from March 15 until June 30. Farmers will have to meet certain requirements.

Governor Hochul said,

"I am proud to sign this bill, which positions New York's farmers to be the first to grow cannabis and jumpstart the safe, equitable, and inclusive new industry we are building. 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."

With a Conditional Cultivators License, New York farmers can grow marijuana outside or in a greenhouse for up to two years. The law also permits NYS farmers to,

manufacture and distribute cannabis flower products without holding an adult-use processor or distributor license, until June 1, 2023. Cultivators are limited to one acre (43,560 square feet) of flowering canopy outdoors or 25,000 square feet in a greenhouse and can use up to 20 artificial lights. They can also split between outdoor and greenhouse grows with a maximum total canopy of 30,000 square feet as long as the greenhouse flowering canopy remains under 20,000 square feet.

Farmers can contact the Office of Cannabis Management with licensing questions at licensing@ocm.ny.gov or 1-888-626-5151. More info about licensing can be found here.