This New York State Senator just introduced two new cannabis laws
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Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) on Wednesday announced a package of two cannabis laws designed to lay additional foundations for the future of legalized cannabis in New York State.
Senate Bill S.9217 would allow New Yorkers to grow cannabis in licensed personal grow facilities. Current regulations allow home growing 18 months after the start of the first adult sale. However, the plants must be grown at the person’s personal residence.
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These policies would exclude those without adequate clearance, particularly renters/tenants. This bill would empower the Cannabis Control Board to enact regulations allowing for personal cultivation in certain licensed facilities for adult use. This ensures that individuals who do not have a residence suitable for personal cultivation, such as most renters and individuals living in urban communities, still have the opportunity to utilize personal cultivation in a safe and controlled environment. This is about achieving justice in the self-cultivation process.
Senate Bill S.9218 would allow certified medical cannabis patients from other states to access medical dispensaries in NYS provided they provide adequate documentation. States such as Nevada, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri already allow reciprocity with other states’ medicinal cannabis programs. New York is one of the most visited states by domestic travelers in the country, and these visitors should continue to have access to medicinal cannabis products throughout their stay.
“I am proud to introduce legislation that will continue to support the rapidly growing New York cannabis industry. Since the passage of the MRTA last year, the Office of Cannabis Management has made necessary reforms to the medical cannabis program, and this legislation will continue those efforts by expanding access to medical cannabis for medical patients inside and outside of New York.” , he said to Senator Jeremy Cooney.
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“While the legal opportunity to grow cannabis at home is still several months away, we need to be proactive in lowering the barriers to participation, particularly for New Yorkers in urban areas who are most likely barred from home-growing. Renters and those unable to grow cannabis in their homes should still have the option of being guaranteed them in the MRTA.”
The New York Cannabis Growers & Processors Association added, “The New York Cannabis Growers & Processors Association applauds Senator Cooney’s efforts to expand the accessibility of New York’s personal cultivation program through legislation that would allow for community gardens, another crucial one If adopted, will be part of the realization of the vision set out by the MRTA. Renters and individuals living in the urban areas of New York, many of the same areas hardest hit by Prohibition and the War on Drugs, should have equal opportunities to participate in personal cultivation and the full spectrum of benefits and to enjoy opportunities that legalization and the creation of an adult market brings to the table.
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“New York State continues to chart a path to building a truly accessible and equitable cannabis industry, but we must continue to be mindful of where improvements can be made and pursue legislation that reflects our goals.”
In conclusion, the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association commented, “NYMCIA strongly supports S.9218, which will enhance New York’s anemic medical cannabis program by improving patient access and affordability. Smokable products and whole flower are often the most effective, cheapest, and most popular types of medication for sick patients. New York’s medicinal cannabis program is in need of sound policy reform, and we call on the Legislature to pass S.9218 without hesitation.”
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
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