New York Hemp Plan Approved by USDA

New York state received approval of its hemp plan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the end of the year.

New York State Commissioner for Agriculture Richard A. Ball announced on Dec. 28 that the state’s hemp program had officially received USDA approval. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ hemp program plan is now accepting applications beginning January 1, 2022.

Ball stated that New York has long pursued hemp as an agricultural commodity and is confident that this new program will help move the state forward.

“New York State has been a leader in the hemp industry since its pilot program began, with producers registered to grow industrial hemp on 30,000 acres. Under this new plan, our breeders will have stability and consistency in future regulations, with continued guidance and support from the ministry, ”he said in a press release. “We look forward to continuing to administer this important program that gives farmers an opportunity to diversify their crops and enter new markets.” As of 2021, New York State will allow 800 registered cannabis producers to grow hemp.

Licensed growers who previously participated in the state’s hemp program will need to reapply for a new license as their old one expired on the last day of 2021. All applicants must also attend the FBI identity history review within 60 days of submitting their application.

The first draft of the New York State hemp plan was sent to the USDA in October 2021. Ball stated in his introductory letter that in 2016 a hemp plant was harvested for the first time in over 80 years and at that time the state only allowed 10 growers to grow and harvest the herb. “It is clear that New York state hemp production will continue and we look forward to New York farmers realizing the full economic potential of hemp in the years to come,” he said. “In conclusion, I am confident that New York State has the necessary resources to manage a compliant hemp production program in New York State.”

The cannabis plan addresses a wide variety of changes related to the application process, reporting and records, license renewal, inspections, violations and much more.

New York has moved on in many ways. The Office of Cannabis Management announced new rules for cannabis products in mid-December 2021, which include an increase in the CBD limit from 75 mg to 100 mg and an increase in THC hemp extracts from three percent to five percent. The Cannabis Control Board has also removed the requirement that cannabis products must be shelf stable, effectively opening the industry up to infused foods and beverages. “These additional cannabinoid hemp program regulations are the latest step in the evolution of the cannabis industry ecosystem we are building in New York State, and I look forward to discussing them at our next meeting with my fellow board members,” said Tremaine Wright, cannabis chairman of the control committee. “Ensuring that New Yorkers buy safe, tested products while providing the industry with the tools to compete and grow is critical to the long-term success of New Yorkers.”

The first day of the year was also the first day in the future that New York cities will no longer be able to opt out of allowing dispensaries or adult consumption lounges. All cities that did not opt ​​out were automatically signed in. According to the Rockefeller Institute of Government opt-out trackers, an estimated 655 out of 1,518 communities have opted for pharmacies and 751 out of 1,518 consumer goods sites (although this data is subject to change).