New York’s 1st marijuana growing licenses go to 52 farmers
New York approved 52 licenses Thursday that will allow hemp farmers to get a head start on growing marijuana for the state’s upcoming adult market.
The state Cannabis Control Board approved the licenses under a recent law that allows hemp cultivators to grow marijuana for the legal recreational market for two years. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant with lower levels of THC, marijuana’s active ingredient.
The granting of the licenses now means farmers will be able to take advantage of this year’s growing season and harvest in October, said Allan Gandelman, a Cortland-based hemp grower and the president of the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association.
“We have a narrow window here. Most people are planting cannabis in our area around May and June. So we’re pretty much there,” said Gandelman, who received a license.