BILL NUMBER: S8332
SPONSOR: RYAN C
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the cannabis law, in relation to enacting the "small
cannabis farmer relief act"; and providing for the repeal of such
provisions upon expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE:
To provide targeted relief and economic opportunity to small and
distressed cannabis farmers by allowing limited and cost-free expansions
of cultivation canopy area, thereby supporting the viability and
sustainability of the state's small-scale cannabis cultivation sector.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 designates the bill as the "Small Cannabis Farmer Relief Act."
Section 2 adds a new section 68-c to the Cannabis Law, creating a frame-
work for canopy expansion for licensed small cannabis cultivators who
meet the definition of "distressed farmer licensees" and cultivated
during the 2022 or 2023 calendar years.
Section 3 establishes that the act shall take effect immediately upon
enactment and remain in effect until December 31, 2028, at which point
it shall expire and be deemed repealed.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York's cannabis cultivators-particularly small, independent, and
distressed farmers-have faced substantial economic challenges since the
inception of the legal adult-use cannabis market. Many invested early
under provisional licensing regimes but have struggled to remain viable
due to limited retail access, regulatory delays, and market instability.
This legislation provides a timely and targeted remedy by allowing
eligible farmers to expand their cultivation operations without addi-
tional financial burden. By scaling cultivation within appropriate,
environmentally regulated tiers, the act offers farmers a critical path-
way to economic sustainability while preserving the intent and integrity
of the state's cannabis law. Supporting these cultivators not only
protects early-stage investments and agricultural jobs but also rein-
forces the broader goal of building an equitable and inclusive cannabis
industry in New York.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire on December 31,
2028.