Hemp in New York State

New York State is cultivating the industrial hemp market and supporting new opportunities to grow this multi-million dollar crop, which is used in the manufacture of an estimated 25,000+ products - from clothing and food to building materials and pharmaceuticals.

The Growing Hemp Industry in New York State

Hemp has quietly become one of New York State’s most interesting “new” crops. After being restricted for decades, it is now making a comeback on farms, in factories, and on store shelves across the state. From textiles and building materials to health products and food ingredients, hemp is opening new doors for New York’s rural and urban economies.

From Pilot Projects to a Statewide Program

New York first allowed limited hemp research trials in 2014–2015 under an Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program. What started with just a handful of growers expanded quickly as interest grew in fiber, grain, and CBD varieties of hemp.

Today, hemp production in New York operates under a USDA-approved New York State Hemp Program, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Anyone who wants to grow or sell hemp seed must hold a state hemp license, and production must meet strict testing and reporting rules— especially for THC levels.

Who Regulates What?

• New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM)
  Oversees hemp cultivation and seed sales. Farmers apply here if they want to grow hemp for fiber, grain, or cannabinoids.
• New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)
  Regulates cannabinoid hemp products (such as CBD oils, tinctures, and edibles) that are processed, manufactured, or sold to consumers. Businesses in this space must obtain a separate cannabinoid hemp license and meet packaging, testing, and labeling standards.

For travelers and residents, this means that the hemp-based food, wellness, and retail products you see in New York stores come from a tightly regulated system designed to protect both farmers and consumers.

Main Ways Hemp Is Used in New York

1. Fiber: Textiles, Building Materials, and More

Industrial hemp fiber is long, strong, and naturally biodegradable. In New York, fiber hemp is being explored for:

• Textiles and clothing — blended with cotton or other fibers.
• Paper and packaging — an alternative to wood-pulp products.
• Biocomposites and car parts — lightweight panels and molded components.
• “Hempcrete” building blocks — a bio-based construction material with good insulation and carbon-storage potential.

Cornell University and other partners have run multi-year trials on hemp fiber varieties and agronomics across the state, helping farmers figure out which cultivars perform best under New York conditions.

2. Grain & Seed: Food, Feed, and Oil

Hemp grain is rich in protein and healthy fats, making it attractive for both human food and animal feed. Common products include:

• Hemp hearts (shelled seeds) for salads, smoothies, and baking.
• Cold-pressed hemp seed oil used in dressings and cooking.
• Protein powders for shakes and nutrition products.
• Livestock and poultry feed ingredients (in carefully regulated settings).

3. Cannabinoid Hemp (CBD and Related Products)

One of the fastest-growing parts of the hemp industry has been cannabinoid hemp — products that use compounds such as CBD, CBG, and others. These can appear as:

• Tinctures and oils
• Capsules and softgels
• Topical creams, balms, and lotions
• Gummies and other edible products (subject to NY’s specific rules)

Because these products are consumed or used on the body, New York requires processors and retailers to follow detailed rules for testing, labeling, and packaging under the OCM’s Cannabinoid Hemp Program.

Economic Potential

The U.S. industrial hemp market has grown into a multi-billion-dollar sector, with hemp now used in more than 25,000 types of products. Nationally, hemp production value climbed to about $445 million in 2024, reflecting a strong rebound after earlier market turbulence.

For New York, hemp offers an opportunity to:

• Diversify farm income with new rotational crops.
• Support rural processing facilities for fiber and grain.
• Fuel small businesses in wellness, food, and sustainable products.

Hemp and Sustainability

Hemp grows quickly, can be used in many different products, and has the potential to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based materials. Farmers often note its dense canopy and deep roots, which can help suppress weeds and improve soil structure when managed well. Researchers in New York continue to explore how hemp fits best into local cropping systems and regional supply chains.

Thinking About Getting Involved?

Anyone interested in growing or processing hemp in New York should carefully review current regulations and licensing requirements, as rules can change over time. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Office of Cannabis Management both offer up-to-date guidance, forms, and program details on their official websites.

From upstate fields to city storefronts, hemp is becoming part of New York’s agricultural and economic landscape. It’s a story still being written—and one that visitors and residents alike can watch unfold across the Empire State.

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