Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
The bill is being sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, D-Endwell, Broome County, and Sen. Thomas O'Mara, R-Big Flats, Chemung County, who have pushed hemp as a potential cash crop for Southern Tier.
"Industrial hemp has proven its potential, especially in the Southern Tier, and this legislation removes artificial barriers for growth," Cuomo said in a statement Sunday.
Hemp is a form of the cannabis plant that has low levels of THC and is used to make a variety of products, including fabrics, paper, food, oils and insulation.
The state Legislature voted in 2016 to allow 10 licenses to grow and research hemp in partnership with colleges and universities. Earlier this year, the state lifted the cap and allowed private organizations to research the product on their own.
Among those who have received licenses are Cornell University and Binghamton University, which partnered with Nanticoke Gardens to study hemp's health effects.
Lawmakers could vote on the latest bill this week.
The Legislature has three working days left in its 2017 legislative session, which is scheduled to end Wednesday.
"It brings the state's economic development and agricultural resources together to ensure the highest quality seeds are planted, the best practices are followed, and the financial supports are in place for New York to lead the way," said Lupardo, who also sponsored the previous hemp bills.
The latest bill would also create a working group of hemp researchers, producers and manufacturers to provide advice to the state.
The Department of Agriculture & Markets, meanwhile, would be required to launch a hotline to answer questions from hemp growers or license seekers who have questions about state or federal law.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to treat hemp like other NY crops
Author: Jon Campbell
Contact: Customer Service | Binghamton
Photo Credit: AP
Website: Binghamton New York News - pressconnects.com is the home page of Binghamton New York with in depth and updated Binghamton local news.
"Industrial hemp has proven its potential, especially in the Southern Tier, and this legislation removes artificial barriers for growth," Cuomo said in a statement Sunday.
Hemp is a form of the cannabis plant that has low levels of THC and is used to make a variety of products, including fabrics, paper, food, oils and insulation.
The state Legislature voted in 2016 to allow 10 licenses to grow and research hemp in partnership with colleges and universities. Earlier this year, the state lifted the cap and allowed private organizations to research the product on their own.
Among those who have received licenses are Cornell University and Binghamton University, which partnered with Nanticoke Gardens to study hemp's health effects.
Lawmakers could vote on the latest bill this week.
The Legislature has three working days left in its 2017 legislative session, which is scheduled to end Wednesday.
"It brings the state's economic development and agricultural resources together to ensure the highest quality seeds are planted, the best practices are followed, and the financial supports are in place for New York to lead the way," said Lupardo, who also sponsored the previous hemp bills.
The latest bill would also create a working group of hemp researchers, producers and manufacturers to provide advice to the state.
The Department of Agriculture & Markets, meanwhile, would be required to launch a hotline to answer questions from hemp growers or license seekers who have questions about state or federal law.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to treat hemp like other NY crops
Author: Jon Campbell
Contact: Customer Service | Binghamton
Photo Credit: AP
Website: Binghamton New York News - pressconnects.com is the home page of Binghamton New York with in depth and updated Binghamton local news.
