Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the state Department of Health is now accepting applications from businesses seeking to operate as cannabinoid hemp processors, retailers or distributors. 

The applications are available on the Cannabinoid Hemp Program's webpage.

Cuomo announced in October that the department filed proposed regulations to regulate cannabinoid hemp products in New York. 

Cannabinoid hemp products include many CBD products currently available for purchase, including tinctures, vaporizations, oils, topicals, pills, capsules and food or beverages.

Cannabinoid Hemp Processor licenses are divided into two license types: "Extracting and Manufacturing" and "Manufacturing Only."

An "Extracting and Manufacturing" license permits a processor to extract and/or isolate cannabinoids from hemp to create crude oil, distillate, isolate or other intermediary products for further refinement, and allows licensees to manufacture cannabinoid hemp products. A "Manufacturing Only" license allows processors to purchase crude oil, distillate, isolate or other intermediary product and use it to manufacture cannabinoid hemp products.

To be sold in New York, cannabinoid hemp products must be manufactured using good manufacturing practices, laboratory-tested by an approved third-party laboratory, and properly labeled to inform consumers of the amount of cannabinoids per serving and warn of any risks associated with use of the product.