We have the latest information on homegrown cannabis cultivation in New York State.
What you need to know: New York State Cannabis Control Bureau says adults 21 and older can grow cannabis at home
You can have up to 3 mature plants and 3 immature plants at a time, but you can't have more than 6 mature plants and 6 immature plants in your home
The office emphasizes safety measures to prevent marijuana odor from becoming a nuisance.
Adult-use cannabis became legal in New York state on March 31, 2021, according to the state's Bureau of Cannabis Control.
Since then, changes have been made regarding what is and is not allowed.
“There are people, especially people in their late 40s and 50s, who have had their homes raided by people with guns because they had a little crop in their backyard. That's a big reason why we always want to be on the right side,” said Sean Teehan, senior writer at New York Cannabis Insider.
So what is legal when it comes to home growing cannabis in New York?
OCM says adults 21 and older can now grow it at home.
You can grow it in a home you own or rent.
You can have up to 3 mature plants and 3 immature plants at one time, but you cannot have more than 6 mature plants and 6 immature plants in any home.
“I see this as a huge positive for the cannabis industry as a whole. We've seen people being more adventurous and trying new things than the standard grocery store brands when it comes to homebrewing. Right? And that has sparked even more interest in the category. And I expect the same thing with cannabis,” said Heirloom President Mac Huber.
“I don't think anyone won't go to a pharmacy just because it's growing, but I think it opens up other ancillary businesses as well,” Teehan said.
Some people don't share exactly the same views.
“This is a step toward giving people access, and that's a positive thing. It goes against the industry's business interests. But cannabis legalization has always been about social equity and people's access. So this is consistent with their direction,” said cannabis grower Scott Ugel.
The Bureau of Cannabis Control says landlords can only refuse to lease space or impose penalties on tenants if they risk losing federal benefits.
The office also emphasizes safety measures to ensure that cannabis odor does not become a nuisance.
