New York Gov. Signs Bill to Encourage Hemp-Based Construction

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a bill amending part of New York’s agriculture law to encourage the incorporation of hemp products into various industries such as construction, packaging, and others, Marijuana Moment reports.

Introduced by state Sen. Michelle Hinchey (D), Senate Bill S8496 prioritizes the research, funding, and business development of hemp-based packaging, food, fiber, construction materials, and cannabinoids. Specifically, the bill mandates the New York agriculture commissioner to consult with the New York State Hemp Workgroup and other industry stakeholders in investigating the use of industrial hemp-based products like biodegradable plastics, paper, and hempcrete.

“Hemp is the material of the future, and positioning New York as a leading producer of the world’s industrial hemp supply is a winning strategy for fighting the Climate Crisis, bringing large-scale economic development to New York’s rural communities, and unlocking new revenue sources to put our farmers in a better financial position. I’m proud that my hemp bill has been signed into law, directing our state to seek strategic collaborations to help us usher in a new era of manufacturing power, product creation, and rural economic development around an industry that is nearly untapped around the world.” — Sen. Hinchey, in a press release

The bill had been approved by state lawmakers in May and was signed into law late last month, the report said.

In addition to developing its industrial hemp industry, New York is poised to begin regulated adult-use cannabis sales after licensing the state’s first 36 cannabis retailers last month.