New York residents will be allowed to grow marijuana at home: rules, limit and who can do it
New York residents are allowed to have up to six marijuana plants in their house... here is your guide to complying with the law.
In New York state, it will soon become legal to cultivate cannabis at home for personal use. While marijuana was legalized in the state in 2021, it has taken a few years for the rules regarding cultivation, production, and commercialization to be rubberstamped.
This week, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) previewed some rules regarding at-home cultivation that will soon be approved. The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) must present the rules and allow the public sixty days to comment. Forbes has reported that the rules are likely to be announced next month, meaning that New Yorkers are still a couple of months off from being able to cultivate cannabis in their homes legally.
The 1/24 #NYCCB meeting is postponed to finalize the review of AU license applications that are under consideration for approval.
— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) January 24, 2024
While some licenses are ready for approval, there are many more we want to get across the finish line to jumpstart the #NYcannabis market in 2024.
The rules that are being developed
Those looking to cultivate at home must ensure that no one under the age of 21 will be able to access the cannabis plants.
According to the OCB, six plants will be allowed to be grown at home, with three being mature and three being immature. If there is more than one person interested in cultivating, the total number of plants will be limited to twelve plants, six of which can be mature and six immature.
Additionally, none of the cannabis cultivates can be sold, and no cannabis-based products (i.e., cannabis hash or other concentrates) can be produced from plants grown at home. However, Timeout has reported that home-grown marijuana cultivated by someone without a license will be able to be distributed as a gift; the amount gifted will likely be limited. One should also be aware of any specific local rules that apply to them based on the jurisdiction where they live.
Related stories
Until these rules have been approved, it remains illegal to cultivate cannabis for recreational use. However, those with a medical marijuana license can cultivate and are subject to another set of regulations.
#DYK: 🌿Home cultivation is an option for patients and caregivers in New York’s Medical Cannabis Program.
— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) November 8, 2023
Patients may grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants, while caregivers for multiple patients can cultivate up to 6 of each.
To learn more, visit: https://t.co/f2Tprl1kBe
Those eager to begin growing will need to exercise patience as the rules are finalized.