NY Legislative Gazette
Sen. Michelle Hinchey’s bill S.8084-a
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill today, clearing the way for qualified farmers to begin planting cannabis this spring.
S8084A (ACTIVE) – SUMMARY
Provides a conditional adult-use cultivator license to process and distribute cannabis flower products without holding an adult-use processor or distributor license; provides a conditional adult-use processor license to process and distribute cannabis products; provides for the repeal of certain provisions upon the expiration thereof.
S8084A (ACTIVE) – SPONSOR MEMO
BILL NUMBER: S8084A REVISED 02/11/2022
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law and the cannabis law, in
relation to providing a conditional adult-use cultivator license and a
conditional adult-use processor license
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to establish a temporary conditional adult-
use cultivator license and a temporary conditional adult-use processor
license in order to establish the adult-use cannabis market in a timely
manner, and to bolster the social equity program required by the Canna-
bis Law.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 would require the Department of Agriculture and Markets to
share data and documentation related to the agricultural research pilot
program with the Office of Cannabis Management (0CM).
The legislation creates a new “Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Cultivator” license, establishing a pathway for 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.
Conditionally licensed cannabis farmers must meet certain requirements, including safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices, participation in a social equity mentorship program, and engagement in a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization.
The bill moved quickly through the Assembly and Senate.
On Feb. 15, 2022, the New York State Senate passed Sen. Michelle Hinchey’s bill S.8084-a, establishing conditional use cultivator licenses to cannabis cultivators who will then be able to process and distribute products.
This bill aims to meet the needs of the future adult-use cannabis retail market.
The bill is also meant to help facilitate mentorships between new cultivators and experienced growers as a part of the Social Equity Program.
“The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act set the foundation for our state to build a truly circular cannabis economy that puts New York farmers and small business dispensaries at the center of growth and production,” Hinchey said, “and with the signing of this bill, farmers can now put seeds in the ground to ensure we meet the demand of this burgeoning industry.”
With a conditional adult-use cannabis cultivation license, farmers can grow outdoors or in a greenhouse for up to two years from the issuance of the license.
It also allows them 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 greenhouse flowering canopy remains under 20,000 square feet.
The Senate bill is co-sponsored by four other senators, including Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester.
“Since taking office, I have been a vocal supporter of the legislation of adult-use cannabis and worked to ensure this new economic opportunity directly benefits those most harmed by the failed ‘War on Drugs,’” Cooney said. “This legislation will allow New York growers to get seeds in the soil to jumpstart this new economic sector and start creating good paying local jobs. Our focus continues to be on developing the most inclusive recreational cannabis market nationwide and ensuring that we invest in cities, like Rochester. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill and vote for it on the Senate floor.”
These conditional licenses made available by the bill are not the same as the traditional licenses that will be offered later and will kickstart cultivation in the state. The state recommends that future license applicants be in good standing, meet all requirements, and apply separately for a full license in the future.
