15 Illegal Marijuana Plants Growing In New York State Forest Seized And Burned

Rangers with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation found 15 illegal marijuana plants growing in a state forest. While adult-use marijuana is legal and you will eventually be able to grow a limited number of marijuana plants at home, growing them on state property IS ILLEGAL.

On September 23, 2022, Forest Rangers found the 15 plants in Swift Hill State Forest, which is located in Allegany County. To the horror of marijuana lovers all over New York State, the cannabis plants were cut, moved, and then burned.

It's not only illegal to grow marijuana on state property, but really anything.

No person shall use any portion of State lands for agricultural purposes, including but not limited to the grazing of cattle or domestic animals of any kind thereon, unless he has obtained a permit from the department.

Growing Marijuana Plants Is Legal In New York State

Here's what you need to know about growing marijuana at home in New York:

1. Any New Yorker who grows marijuana must be 21 years or older.

2. Home growers are limited to six plants - three mature and three immature.

3. Each household is limited to twelve plants - six mature and six immature - even if there are more than two adults over 21 in the residence.

4. Home growing is only permitted once the Office of Cannabis Management provides regulations for residential cultivation, which will be no later than 18-months after the first recreational retail sale.

5. Cannabis plants grown at home need to be kept secure and inaccessible to anyone under 21-years-old.

6. Homegrown marijuana cannot be sold. It is only for personal consumption.

7. It's illegal to make hash oil or concentrates from homegrown cannabis using butane, propane, alcohol, or another similar substance.

8. Local governments can make and enforce regulations regarding home cultivation, but cannot fully ban it.

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