Legislature passes bill for temporary, conditional licenses for marijuana cultivation, processing

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The New York State Assembly and Senate have both passed legislation authorizing temporary and conditional licenses for legally cultivating and processing recreational marijuana.

New York Department of Agriculture and Markets authorized industrial hemp growers who are in good standing, and have grown and harvested hemp for at least two of the last four years as of Dec. 31, 2021, are eligible to apply for the conditional license.

The license would allow them to grow cannabis outdoors or in a greenhouse with up to 20 artificial lights.

On June 1, 2023, both conditional cultivators and processors would be required to apply for a distributor license. Both licenses would end on June 30, 2024.

The legislation still needs to be delivered to Gov. Kathy Hochul and signed before it becomes law.