New York will have cannabis farmers’ markets again. Gov. Kathy Hochul, on Thursday, signed Chapter 112 – Senate Bill 818 – to revive a program which was set to close at the conclusion of 2024.
In certain circumstances, the law requires that permittees partner with growers to sell adult-use marijuana and adult-use products during cannabis showcase events. In order to apply for an event license, the applicant must identify all of the processors and cultivators who are authorized to participate in such events.
Senators Michelle Hinchey and Lea Webb sponsored the Senate bill. Michelle Hinchey (left) and Lea Webb (right).
New law expands definitions of pop-up events to include events other than farmers’ markets. The law also says that vendors can display their products with educational and branded materials.
Other provisions included in the new measure are:
- Each licensee who is authorized to sell adult-use marijuana and cannabis products under the provisions of this chapter must obtain a separate Cannabis Showcase Event Permit.
- Each permittee must still partner with one or more cultivators if there is more than a single permittee at a Cannabis Showcase Event.
- Permittees are limited to working with only one processor per licensed cultivator listed on the cannabis showcase event application.
She also introduced AB 418 in January, which addressed the cannabis showcase event. SB 818 has been substituted on 11 March for this bill.
In response to the slow progress of the program for legal adult use, which was slowed by several lawsuits, the state created the Farmers Market events. After being encouraged to plant, farmers found they were left with harvested products but no outlets for selling them. Farmers markets quickly sprung up to provide farmers with a venue to sell their goods.
These pop-up events, which will be held in conjunction with the State’s new dispensaries, provide an alternative outlet for licensees.