One little seed is a dream come true, for Saladin Amir, now that New York State is allowing him to grow cannabis at home. As a designated caregiver with certified medical marijuana use patients, he’s been busy putting his backyard pharmacist skills to use.

“Cannabis helps out a lot of different people for different reasons,” said Amir.    

The Office of Cannabis Management announced in early October of 2022 that designated caregivers and patients age 21 and up can grow their own medicinal supply on their property.

Not to be mistaken for commercial cultivation, this phase of the OCM’s rollout only permits cultivation of three mature plants and three immature plants, among other restrictions. Saladin says it’s still a good start. 

“I’m thankful that the legalization is allowing for people to get what they need,” said Amir.

More than 20 years ago, Amir spent time in prison and county jail for selling marijuana to make ends meet for his family. Now that the idea of turning weed into a multi-billion dollar industry has been adopted by many states including New York, it’s prompted him to put more than his green thumb to work.

“Because I don’t want to be in the industry alone, I want people that look like me to take be involved,” said Amir.

He said he joined the state's seeding equity initiative board to ensure that people with past marijuana related convictions will have a chance to be investors too.

“It’s all about making people aware. If this opportunity is for you then I know something about it,” Amir added.

He works with advocacy projects like Black Farmers United and the Black Cannabis Industry Association. Last year helped register several community members for state cannabis grants through the Center for Law and Justice.

Closer to home this nugget of progress will make it easier to grind, sprinkle, and roll joints for his patients, including a very special on.

His mother being one of his long term cannabis patients after discovering the traditional medication prescribed to her had adverse side affects.

“I was on one that they said might cause my stomach to explode… and the only thing I could use was marijuana,” said Saladin’s mom.

Now she is on a greener path with her son, Amir says it’s just one example of how an inclusive marijuana market is vital.