Head & Heal Assists NYS with New CBD Hemp Program
Great news for CBD businesses! New York State is now accepting applications from businesses seeking licensure to operate as cannabinoid (CBD) hemp processors, retailers, or distributors, thanks in part to the efforts of Rev member, Head & Heal, one of the companies that helped develop the program and its subsequent regulations.
In addition to licensure, the Cannabinoid Hemp Program, which is led by the State Department of Health, also sets important quality control standards that all CBD products in New York State must meet, impacting laboratory testing, manufacturing, packaging, and labeling.
Head & Heal is the hemp subsidiary of Main Street Farms, located in Cortland, New York. Allan Gandelman, founder of Main Street Farms and co-founder of Head & Heal, recently spoke with NewsChannel 9 (Syracuse, New York) about the new program and its potential impact on the industry. Gandelman is also the president of the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association.
“If you have a, let’s say a, small brewery where you make drinks, you could now get licensed to make CBD drinks. Or if you have a company in New York that manufactures chocolate or honey, you’re now legally allowed to apply for this license and put New York grown hemp and CBD into your existing products,” said Gandelman
Prior to the establishment of the Cannabinoid Hemp Program, businesses in New York State were unable to legally manufacture products with CBD, meaning that most CBD products sold in the state have been manufactured elsewhere. CBD products, which have grown in popularity, take many forms, including capsules, tinctures, and topicals, as well as food and beverages.
Gandelman believes these changes will expand the CBD market and provide new business opportunities for local growers and processors. Additionally, the new regulations help lay the groundwork for an adult-use marijuana program should it be approved by the state; however, for now, the focus is on growing the market for hemp and CBD products.
“The program opening up just means more companies can get in, they can expand their businesses. They can hire, you know, invest in infrastructure. So, this is all moving in the right direction,” said Gandelman.
View the full interview with Head & Heal’s Allan Gandelman. For more information on CBD licensing and regulations, visit the Cannabinoid Hemp Program website.