Supporting social Justice, environmental regeneration and economic inclusivity
Comprehensive Cannabis Policies
New York’s New Cannabis Law 2021
We Helped Pass the Landmark Law!
With your help, NY Small Farma was successful in helping to ensure that NY’s new cannabis law (aka the MRTA) that passed March 31, 2021, creates the potential for a new paradigm around cannabis.
Read our Letter to Governor Hochul on Implementing the New York Cannabis Law HERE
Read our Letter to Governor Hochul Endorsing Cannabis Advisory Board Nominees HERE
We are part of NY Cannabis United (NYCU). Read the Letter to Governor Hochul HERE
Read the full law HERE
NY Small Farma was the only organization educating lawmakers on the impacts of cannabis cultivation on the environment and health of consumers. We worked to ensure the law protects the environment, minimizes waste, prohibits synthetic chemicals, and prioritizes climate resiliency and regenerative farming practices.
The new law is the most progressive cannabis law in the country and includes:
A clear commitment to protect the environment and improve the state’s resiliency to climate change.
Consideration of the ability of potential licensees “to increase climate resiliency and minimize or eliminate adverse environmental impacts, including water and energy usage, carbon emissions, waste, pollutants, harmful chemicals and single use plastics,”
Cultivation regulations, standards, and guidelines that are guided by sustainable, organic, and regenerative farming principles and practices,
A focus on farming, including opportunities for people who have been historically underrepresented in farming,
A change from the proposed indoor-only grow mandate for medical cannabis;
Intent for small and micro cannabis businesses and the desire to avoid a big business takeover; and
Personal cultivation for both medical and adult-use.
Want some easy FAQs about the new law? Check out this Explainer from Start Smart
Still have questions? Let us know!
You can also check out our latest Q and A HERE
Check out our White Paper that discusses social, environmental and economic equity for Cannabis in New York State!
NEW! The US Senate is considering the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, introduced July 14, 2021
Read the full text HERE
Read the official summary HERE
Comments are being solicited through September 1, 2021. Comments may be submitted to: Cannabis_Reform@finance.senate.gov.
Next Steps in NY
LEARN AND CONNECT
Cannabis is at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, social equity, entrepreneurship, small business access, climate change, health, and social justice. New York can be the leader in best practices for people, plants and planet.
There is still a lot to be done!
The administrative framework needs to be established in New York State, including the key personnel at the Office of Cannabis Management, the Cannabis Control Board and the Advisory Board. Who serves in these positions is vital because they will help shape the rollout of the new cannabis marketplace.
Once these positions are filled, then the real work of fleshing out the regulations will begin.
The regulatory details will ultimately determine if the law meets its potential or falls short.
Key regulatory areas include license timing, costs and obligations for all categories, environmental and health considerations, social equity promise and processes and much more.