David Hill

dwhill@gannett.com | @NY_newsguy_Hill

Cornell University and SUNY Morrisville both plan to pursue state licenses for experimental crops of industrial hemp now that state regulations for the crop have been established.

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets published final regulations governing experimental industrial hemp Wednesday. Federal law was changed in 2014 allowing states to permit hemp research, and New York lawmakers approved a bill doing so last year. The new regulations were needed before any crops could be planted this coming growing season. Industrial hemp differs from the plant that produces marijuana in that it contains too little tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical that produces a recreational high.

The move was hailed by state Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Elmira, and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, D-Endwell, who sponsored bills in their respective houses setting up the program. They believe hemp could become a significant crop in the Southern Tier and throughout upstate.

Hemp has edible and oil-producing seeds, its bark and core can be used as building materials, and parts are used in making plastics, paper, insulation, animal bedding, cosmetics, and used as fuel. A chemical within it, cannabidiol is used in medical marijuana. Some other states have had experimental crops already, most notably Kentucky, where hemp is seen as a replacement to lucrative tobacco.

“This is the first of many steps we'll be taking to develop this new and highly lucrative new crop," Lupardo said.

“Getting this critical pilot program underway will help New York State start to secure a strong position at the forefront of an industry that can diversify and strengthen our agricultural economy, generate revenue, and create jobs,” O’Mara said.

Only colleges and universities may apply for the licenses, and no more than 10 will be allowed, according to the rules. However, the institutions may contract with off-campus farmers to grow the experimental crops.

Under the rules, the hemp must be tested to ensure it contains no more than 0.3 percent of the chemical responsible for the intoxicating effects of marijuana, and any that does is to be destroyed.

Further, licensees must secure their test plots with fences or other means, and post signs identifying the plots as industrial hemp. They have to notify local law enforcement as well.

The hemp can’t be transported except for testing, and when it is, it has to be in a closed, locked part of a vehicle and not visible from the outside.

Licenses are good for three years but can be renewed or extended if the research warrants.

Cornell intends to plant test plots on its agricultural experiment farms near Ithaca.

Morrisville President David Rogers said the college hopes to help the testing along so New York can be ahead of other states.

“We believe this crop has the potential to stimulate strong economic growth across a broad spectrum of industries to include agriculture, manufacturing, energy and livestock,” he said in a statement from the college. “This research program will go a long way toward providing New York with a competitive advantage before more states across the country follow suit.”