The largest farm advocacy organization in New York, the Farm Bureau, is behind legislation that would legalize marijuana recreationally in the state.
“Given the current status of the farm economy in New York state, farmers recognize the potential opportunity the cultivation of cannabis could be for New York state’s agriculture industry,” the New York Farm Bureau stated.
In response to the organization’s announcement, a group formed by President Barack Obama’s former drug policy advisor to oppose legalization said the Farm Bureau was deluded over the potential economic benefits of the marijuana industry.
“This industry isn’t about helping small family farms,” stated Smart Approaches to Marijuana New York President Dr. Kevin Sabet in a statement.
“Big Marijuana’s main interest is year-round operation. Hardly possible in New York’s climate,” Sabet said. “Grow operations cost millions to get off the ground and are run in large warehouses, not on small family farms. It’s a cash crop that requires massive amounts of water and electricity. Pot products will be largely produced by existing out-of-state industrial growers not upstate farmers.”
“For a successful implementation of a cannabis program in New York state, if legalized, farmers must have an active role in the growth and production, as well as development and implementation of the recreational cannabis program in the state,” the Farm Bureau stated. It added, “Including New York agriculture both as cultivators and as advisors for cannabis would help make this program a success for the state, if legalized.”
