Hinchey Bill to Expand Use of Industrial Hemp Signed into Law

ALBANY, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey today announced the signing of her bill to promote greater use of New York-grown industrial hemp by businesses in New York State. The legislation (S8496) instructs the Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets, in collaboration with the Urban Development Corporation, the NYS Hemp Workgroup, and industry representatives, to develop a plan to expand market opportunities for industrial hemp that would increase its use in manufacturing and construction materials, including packaging, textiles, 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,” Senator Hinchey said. “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.”
 

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