New York’s decision to remove a wholesale ban on hemp flower is welcomed news to New York’s hemp flower producers.  Flower continues to be an attractive segment for small farmers, who can gross tens of thousands of dollars off of each acre.  The spirit of the ban was for public health, and the state still does not allow prerolls, owing to their limited function, whereas flower can be used in a number of ways that don’t require combustion.  

The caveat is that the hemp flower cannot be labeled specifically for smoking, a rule reminiscent of raw milk laws that allow the sale of unpasteurized milk for “pet” consumption.  New York is more closely regulating cannabinoid vape cartridges, in an effort to prevent minors from purchasing them. 

We continue to watch New York’s compelling move to combine all cannabis oversight under an Office of Cannabis Management.  Fiber and hempseed producers will continue to be under the…