Marijuana & Cornell Cooperative Extension

MARIJUANA & CORNELL/ COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Submitted by Ashley Tully, Ag Program Coordinator Written by Maire Ullrich, CCE Orange Ag Program Leader

As many of you are aware, NYS passed legislation (https://www. nysenate.gov/legislation/ bills/2021/S854) to make adult possession and recreational use of marijuana legal in New York. As you read the legislation, just like all legislation, a lot of details have yet to be worked out in the rulemaking once the agency for the administration is established. It is proposed it could be as much as 2 years before retail sales occur. But, marijuana is still not legal on a federal level. Hemp, also Cannabis sativa, has been legal to grow on a federal level for several years now starting with changes in the 2014 Farm Bill. Hemp by definition is less than 0.3% THC content, and marijuana is anything over that number. The state and the federal government agree on this definition. Why does the difference matter for New York growers of either type of Cannabis? Well, because both Cornell University and the Cooperative Extension system derive some funding from the federal government and performing research or advising the public on anything about the crop risks violating the relationship. This is derived from two federal laws that govern higher education that preclude educational institutions that take federal funding from any activities in substances that are defined as controlled. Even the medical marijuana industry is barred from assistance from federally funded entities. This is part of the reason medical research on the crop is limited in the US – because most hospitals, universities and other agencies that would typically do such trials are the recipients of federal funds. Now, there is an express permission that can be granted for research, but it is rare. So, as it has been, staff are welcome to answer questions about hemp production, processing, and its regulations but not about marijuana. If a potential grower has questions about recreational marijuana production, they should call Farm Bureau or other producer organizations to find assistance. The one lesson I will impart from the hemp industry is that suddenly there will be a lot of “experts” to help with various aspects of production/marketing etc. and few of them are experts. From “growers” to lawyers, thoroughly check out resumes and references before hiring, buying genetics or equipment from anyone.