A bill approved Monday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo will establish a regulatory system for the sale and production of hemp and hemp-related products in the state amid the growing popularity of the ingredient in consumer products.
Meanwhile, Cuomo announced plans to hold a hemp summit in January to discuss policies related in the industry.
The bill was approved with a chapter amendment meant to provide a more streamlined system for regulating hemp products and provide the Department of Agriculture and Markets with a supervisory role over hemp growers. The Department of Health is given supervision over hemp extract and it creates a registration requirement for sellers of hemp extract products.
And the chapter amendment also defers decision making on hemp extracts like CBD as additives in food and beverages.
“The hemp industry in New York is exploding and with that growth comes a responsibility to regulate the industry in a way that helps ensure its long-term viability and protects consumers,” Cuomo said.
“By establishing a regulatory framework for producing and selling hemp and hemp extract we can set the industry on a path to continued growth in a smart, safe way that empowers both farmers and consumers.”
The bill’s approval was cheered by Laurie Villasuso, the CEO of the Orange County IDA and Accelerator:
“The Orange County IDA commends the Governor for establishing a state permitting process for the hemp industry,” she said. “The Orange County IDA has re-imagined a portion of the former Mid-Orange Correctional facility into a successful hemp processing facility which has helped farmers across the Hudson Valley and has created businesses that hire New Yorkers and send products around the country. This is truly a win for New York.”