New York hemp farmers will be able to start growing weed this spring if they get a license from the state under a new program approved by Governor Kathy Hochul Tuesday.
The governor signed a law authorizing hemp producers to get a conditional permit to cultivate the devil’s lettuce outdoors or in a greenhouse for two years in the Empire State.
“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,” the governor said in a statement on Feb. 22.
The Office of Cannabis Management — the state agency tasked with regulating medical and recreational marijuana — will develop the application process and open the program “as soon as possible” to be ready for this year’s growing season, according to the governor’s office.
