Cuomo signs bill regulating New York’s hemp industry

Cuomo signs bill regulating New York’s hemp industry

Tue, 12/10/2019 - 16:11
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A new law signed by Gov. Cuomo on Monday lays the groundwork for the manufacture and sale of home-grown hemp products — including popular CBD oil — across the state.

The regulations require growers, processers and sellers to obtain state permits and hire independent labs to test their merchandise.

The law also sets labeling standards and mandates that New York-based hemp companies use only crops grown in New York.

“The hemp industry in New York is exploding and with that growth comes a responsibility to regulate the industry in a way that helps ensure its long-term viability and protects consumers,” Cuomo said.

CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol, one of the active ingredients in hemp, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant but doesn’t contain the compound that gets people high.

CBD has been touted as a treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain, and is the key ingredient in an FDA approved medicine for two rare and severe forms of childhood epilepsy.

In addition to hemp extracts including CBD oil, the new law regulates beauty products, clothing and other items made from hemp.

Food and beverages containing CBD — which New York City banned over the summer — aren’t covered.