The New York Legislature has approved a proposal to allow hemp businesses in the state to grow and process adult-use cannabis to help get product on dispensary shelves when adult-use sales launch, according to a local WHEC report.

RELATED: New York Legislation Would Allow Hemp Businesses to Grow, Process Adult-Use Cannabis

The bill authorizes the New York Department of Agriculture to issue temporary and conditional licenses to industrial hemp growers who are in good standing and who have grown and harvested hemp for at least two of the last four years as of Dec. 31, 2021, the news outlet reported.

The legislation allows licensees to grow adult-use cannabis outdoors or in a greenhouse, according to WHEC.

Cultivators and processors with conditional licenses could then apply for a distributor license on June 1, 2023, and the licenses would expire on June 30, 2024, the news outlet reported.

The bill now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her signature.