New York announced it is now accepting applications for growers and processors of industrial hemp, according to a Weed News report.
Though the 2018 Farm Bill, which is on track to soon be passed and sent to the president’s desk for his signature, is expected to completely legalize industrial hemp, New York’s program is for now operating under the pilot program structure laid out in the 2014 Farm Bill. The new applications are solely for industrial hemp to be used in CBD preparations — hemp products meant for human or animal food products are not condoned under the current application process.
The current application period closes on December 28, 2018. Questions about the program can be sent to industrialhempNYS@agriculture.ny.gov and relevant answers will be posted on the Department of Agriculture website’s FAQ section.
New York established its pilot program for industrial hemp in 2015 and held a Hemp Summit in 2017. More details can be found on the Department of Agriculture‘s website.
New York is also currently attempting to structure and pass full adult-use cannabis legalization following a favorable report from the state’s Department of Health earlier this year.