Can I Grow My Own Cannabis in Otsego County, New York?

In the words of former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper: "don’t break out the Cheetos or goldfish too quickly."

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Legalization of cannabis came to New York State when former governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act into law on March 31, 2021. Within the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act, provisions are allowed for home cultivation - with a catch. Growing cannabis at home would not be authorized before the Cannabis Control board signed off on it.

When can I grow cannabis at home?

The regulations for growing at home were finally approved by the Cannabis Control Board on February 16th, 2024. There is a sixty day waiting period for public comment on the matter, and will not take effect until this time period has concluded.

Per the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act, and the approval of regulations last week, residents of New York State will be able to:

• Grow up to 6 cannabis plants in their home for personal use (3 mature plants and 3 immature plants) and a maximum of twelve plants per household (6 mature plants and 6 immature plants)
• Possess up to five pounds of trimmed cannabis flower that came from plants cultivated at an individual's private residence
• Process cannabis plant matter and turn it into concentrate with restrictions

How much can I have on hand?

One of the more interesting aspects is the possession amount. I lived in Colorado when legalization was enacted, so I have unique perspective into this. Five pounds is unheard of, and helpful to those that grow for medical reasons or care for someone else.

Another unique aspect is the prospect of being able to buy clones from a dispensary. Cannabis plants aren't usually easy to come by, and this would provide for an easy way for people to grow at home. For novices, growing from a seed can be a difficult task. Growing from established plants is a much more reasonable option.