New York’s recreational marijuana market has sprouted, literally

New York is preparing to kickstart its sale of legal and recreational marijuana and has been paving the way for 2023 sales, weeding out one issue at a time. The market is beginning to sprout, literally.

In a first, the state of New York has issued permits to more than 200 hemp growers to cultivate and harvest marijuana, which will then be sold starting next year. Established marijuana businesses are also expected to join the market later.

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The “conditional cultivator” licenses issued by New York authorities allow farmers to grow marijuana on an acre of land. They can also cultivate all or some of their crop in greenhouses, though in smaller areas, and use limited lighting. The permits will be valid for two years and will allow holders to sell their product to retail dispensaries, according to AP reports.

New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association’s head Allan Gandelman said that a major portion of the marijuana grown by the temporary permit holders will go towards edibles and vape cartridges. The remaining small portion will go to dispensaries.

Outdoor vs indoor marijuana

Cannabis grown outdoors can often have lower THC than plants grown indoors under lights. That makes it less desirable to some consumers, though others appreciate its nuanced characteristics, comparing it to garden-grown tomatoes or a complex glass of wine. THC is a compound present in marijuana that makes people feel high.

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Marijuana that is cultivated outdoors usually costs less and is a bit more sustainable that its alternative. Growing the plant indoors can cost more as it requires a steady electricity supply, according to AP reports.

Aside from pests and bad weather, a big challenge to growing marijuana outdoors is the threat of thievery. Farmers often have to install expensive electrical fences, motion detectors and other security features.