In the United States, hemp was previously considered a subsection of cannabis and therefore illegal, but a significant policy change allowed for more hemp businesses in the country. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the definition of cannabis in the Controlled Substances Act and effectively legalized industrial hemp sales across the country.  

 

Now that the law distinguishes between cannabis and hemp, here’s what you need to know about growing the hemp plant and how to obtain the correct New York hemp licenses. 

 

Current State of Hemp in NY 

Until the end of 2018, some hemp farming was regulated under a tightly controlled state pilot program, but the Farm Bill allowed hemp to become a cash crop opportunity for entrepreneurs. Now, hundreds of farmers are growing thousands of acres of hemp across New York state, with economic analysts calling hemp the most lucrative cash crop farmers have seen in decades. Some forecast the business could even top $20 billion by 2022. 

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New York Industrial Hemp Farming Laws

New York state says it is committed to being a global leader in industrial hemp with the aim to cultivate and support new innovation opportunities. The current Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program currently has 99 processors registered, 537 growers, and 19 combined growers and processors. While the Department of Agriculture and Markets does not allow the addition of CBD to food and beverages, they are accepting applications for researchers who want to grow industrial hemp for fiber, grain, and CBD.

 

Securing Your Applications & Permits

The New York Agriculture and Markets Law recognizes the status of industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity. Here are the steps to become an industrial hemp grower:

• Submit a completed application to the Department with a non-refundable $500 application fee.

• Wait as the Department reviews the application and notifies the applicant of the decision.

• If accepted, The Department will send approved applicants a Research Partner Agreement to be signed and notarized by the applicant.

• The applicant will return two signed and notarized Research Partner Agreements to the Department.

• Upon receipt, the Department will issue and mail to the Research Partner (formerly the applicant) an official Industrial Hemp Research Partner Authorization and one copy of the fully executed Research Partner Agreement.

 

Download the Industrial Hemp Grower Application here: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2019/11/hemp_grower_application.pdf 

 

Looking to the Future

Whether you are looking to start your own medical cannabis dispensary, hemp cultivation operation, or both, Our Green Solutions will help you with:

• • Advisory Board - Our knowledge and connections allows us to provide you the best information and resources from the industry’s top experts

  • Location Scouting - We will find the perfect place to plan for your future cultivation and dispensary locations 

  • Branding - We utilize our education, passion and experience in marketing to effectively brand your product 

  • Business Plan - We will develop your cannabis business brand and create a business plan 

  • Strategy - We will create a strategy to succeed in the current marketplaces and pivot as new legislations come out

  • Operation Training - We will guide you through the process of setting up your operation, assist with employee training and lay down the foundation for operational fluidity in your business

  • Employee Manuals - We will create clear, succinct, and attractive manuals for your employees to become the best ambassadors for your business or venture 

 

While we await full legalization of the cannabis plant in New York soon, now is a great time to get in on the legal hemp business in the state. As the state continues to pass legislation that furthers its commitment to supporting new opportunities to grow hemp, Our Green Solutions will ensure you become well-positioned to take advantage of this multi-million dollar crop.