New York Assembly Bill 1234, which includes marijuana in the legal definition of crops, livestock, and livestock products, has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The legislation passed overwhelmingly in both legislative chambers earlier this year, with a 58-3 vote in the Senate and a 141-3 vote in the Assembly. Filed by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo in January 2023 with 21 bipartisan cosponsors, the measure amends Section 301 of New York’s agriculture and markets law to formally recognize marijuana as an agricultural commodity. This aligns it with other crops like fruits, vegetables, and grains under state law.
The bill’s text, spanning just a single page, modifies existing legal language to include marijuana as defined by New York’s marijuana law. Advocates believe this change will provide clarity for farmers and stakeholders in the marijuana industry, granting them access to agricultural resources and protections available to other commodity producers, including giving them the same property tax benefits.
With the governor’s signature, the law takes effect immediately, marking a significant step for New York’s evolving marijuana market.
For the full text of the measure, click here.
