New York lawmakers pass bill to make cannabis farmers markets permanent

New York legislators approved a bill that would allow marijuana farmers markets to become a regular part of the state’s legal cannabis landscape.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, both Democrats, now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk for consideration, Marijuana Moment reported.

Under the proposed law, licensed marijuana retailers could partner with growers and processors to hold cannabis showcase events lasting up to two weeks at a time. Each event would require a separate permit from regulators, who would be authorized to charge “reasonable fees” based on the type and size of the event, according to the bill.

The state previously permitted such markets on a temporary basis to help give cultivators face time with consumers and drive sales amid New York’s slower-than-expected rollout of its legal retail cannabis market.

“This legislation may provide additional tax revenue for the State and local governments as it will provide additional sales opportunities for cannabis growers to sell their products,” a memo attached to the bill said.

The memo also called the program a success that allowed New York farmers to engage with customers and educate while boosting brand visibility.

Still, New York has faced a myriad of challenges in implementing its adult-use program, prompting Hochul to shake things up at the state’s Office of Cannabis Management last month.

On Monday, she announced that veteran state bureaucrat Felicia Reid will serve as executive deputy director and acting executive director of the OCM, overseeing key functions such as licensing, compliance, and enforcement.

Regulators have also been working to address the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis shops across the state.

The passage of the farmers market legislation comes as New York lawmakers consider other cannabis-related proposals, including a bill to allow individuals to sue illicit cannabis sellers and another to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for adults who obtain a permit, Marijuana Moment reported.