A New York bill that would expand the legal definition of crops, livestock and livestock products to include cannabis has been passed unanimously by two separate Senate committees.
Filed by Senator Michelle Hinchey along with two cosponsors, the measure was passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee in January, 9 to 0. After three and a half months of inaction, yesterday the Senate Finance Committee gave approval to the bill, also unanimously (21 to 0). This allows it to be considered by the full Senate, with passage putting it before the state Assembly.
The simple one-page bill simple states “Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 301 of the agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new paragraph m to read as follows: Cannabis as defined in section three of the cannabis law.”
In other words, it would simply yet efficiently add cannabis to the state’s legal definition of crops and livestock. Proponents of the measure argue that it will give cannabis more legitimacy among the public and among farmers, and will allow it to be treated entirely as the legal crop that it is.
The measure states that “This act shall take effect immediately.”
For the full text of Senate Bill 1752, click here.
