The first legalization of industrial hemp in the State of New York was in 2014, and later expanded allowing commercial cultivation in 2015. This state allows the use of marijuana for medicinal applications since 2014. There is no law preventing the use of CBD products, and every New Yorker can freely use any type of CBD product they like, as long as it complies with federal regulations.
CBD in the Empire State
In 2014, the New York legislators voted on a law allowing the cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes by higher educational institutions, in order to gather information about the viability of commercial cultivation of hemp. The institutions growing hemp need to have state licenses by the Department of Agriculture & Markets.
There is no law preventing the use of CBD oil or other CBD products in New York. But this state has somewhat strict policies regarding the use of medical marijuana and not so liberal view towards anything cannabis-related.
Hemp and CBD
The cannabis plant produces a lot of compounds, among which, there are 113 cannabinoids. The most famous one is THC, which is the main product from the variety of cannabis known as marijuana. The second most famous one and the one with the highest beneficial effects is CBD and is the main product of the variety known as hemp.
Hemp has a variety of other uses like the production of fiber, cloth and rope, paper, insulation, biofuel, animal feed, animal bedding, and a lot more. It is far simpler to grow than marijuana and grows very well in a variety of climates and humidity levels.
The CBD molecule has multiple roles in the human body, as it binds with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system, helping the body restore its natural balance, manage pain and deal with stress and other disorders.
There are many strains of cannabis, and when I say many, I mean great many. There are strains with high THC contents, strains with high CBD contents and all of these have unorthodox names. In honor of New York, here are two strains named after this state (or most likely NYC).
- New York Power Diesel or NYPD is a strain that comes from a mixed heritage and packs a good punch. It is predominantly THC-rich strain, with uplifting, slightly euphoric and happy effects that can make anyone feel relaxed and even giggly. The medical side of this strain is aimed at helping with stress, depression, fatigue, and fighting inflammation.
- NY Cheese is a good strain, with a familiar cheese-like smell with diesel undertones. The effects are fast, with excellent energizing properties, but also effective in bringing the creative juices and inspiring euphoric feelings. The medical effects are good and help with migraines, pain management, depression, and arthritic pains.
New York CBD oil law
The State of New York allowed the cultivation of industrial hemp in 2014, with the signing of Senate Bill S7047, establishing an agricultural pilot program. This program is now active, with ten sites authorized to cultivate industrial hemp.
The state does not forbid the use of CBD oil or any other CBD product as long as it has less than 0.3% THC. So anyone interested in getting CBD products in this state can do it freely, with no fear of breaking any laws.
Medical Mary Jane
The people of the state of New York can freely take marijuana for medicinal applications since 2014. The law allowing this is aptly called the Compassionate Care Act and is currently serving close to 100,000 patients.
In order to qualify, the patients need to have one of the qualifying conditions such as PTSD, epilepsy, cancer, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, IBD, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, spinal cord injury or opioid substitution. The state has a strict policy regarding medical marijuana use, and the dispensary system is very restrictive, with only 40 dispensaries in the whole state.
The patients are not allowed home cultivation of marijuana, but they can have up to 30 day supply of cannabis-infused, non-smokable products. Today, the medical marijuana program is run by the New Your State Department of Health.
No “Weed” For New York Folk
Even though the possession of small amounts of weed is decriminalized in the State of New York and people caught with 25 grams or less will only get a $100 fine ($200 for a second offense), it is still illegal to smoke weed here.
The state does not allow the public consumption of weed and is classifying it as Schedule I hallucinogenic substance. Also, anyone caught growing any number of marijuana plants will get a year in prison and $1,000 fine.
CBD Purchase Options
Aside from the 40 state-licensed dispensaries, there are many other retail stores that carry good CBD products. Many are located in New York City, which is the most densely populated area in the state. There are also good CBD shops in Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and others.
For anyone that does not like to go out and get their CBD products, there is always the online order. This way people can make sure they are getting the product from a reputable seller and have it delivered to their home.
Conclusion
With Senate Bill 7047, the State of New York has allowed the establishment of an industrial hemp research program in order to help farmers that want to go into commercial hemp cultivation. This state has a medical marijuana program installed since 2014, with a very restrictive prescription and dispensary system. Due to the complicated system, the state has decided to loosen up some aspects, making it easier for the almost 100K people to find relief in medical cannabis.
New York does not allow the use of marijuana for recreational purposes but has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of weed. At last, the use of CBD products in this state is completely legal as long as they are derived from industrial hemp and have less than 0.3% THC.