by Connie Oswald Stofko
There seems to be confusion over which home gardeners can legally plant cannabis in Western New York.
Right now only people that have their medical cannabis card from their practitioner can grow cannabis, said Melissa Moore, co-coordinator of the Horticulture Program and instructor of Cannabis at Niagara County Community College (NCCC). Those people can grow up to six plants per person, and a total of 12 plants per residence.
People without a medical card are not allowed to legally grow cannabis at home until next summer.
Under the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), adults over the age of 21 can cultivate cannabis 18 months after the first licensed adult-use dispensary opened their doors, Moore said. This occurred in December 2022. That means in June 2024 all adults over 21 in New York State will be permitted to grow cannabis of up to six plants per person, and a total of 12 plants per residence.
Bonus tip: You can learn more about cannabis at NCCC in the fall semester. See the flyer here.
Cannabis-based courses can be taken for credit or on a non-credit/non-degree basis through the NCCC Office of Workforce Development. Seniors, aged 60+, can audit horticulture/cannabis courses for free. See more here.
Thank you Melissa!!
Hi Melissa, thanks so much for that guidance!
The FDA has recently passed a law that has made cannabis seeds federally legal, therefore you can purchase from any seed dealer in the U.S. Here is a link to learn more
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/media/cannabis-dea-seeds-federally-legal-webinar/
Some medical dispensaries sell clones for medical patients to purchase, call around to your local dispensaries. Also, North Atlantic Seed company and Humboldt Seed Company are both reputable brands located in the United States.
I have a Medical Cannabis Card. Where might I find seeds or plants to grow cannabis?
Thank you for your help!