Certified patients and designated caregivers will be allowed to grow their own cannabis at home under regulations given final approval on Tuesday by New York's Cannabis Control Board. 

The regulations will allow patients or caregivers with proper designation to grow up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants at a given time. New York will also allow a designated caregiver for multiple patients grow up to twice that amount of both immature and mature cannabis plants. 

“Today’s approval of the medical home grow regulations is a monumental step forward in improving New York State’s medical cannabis program,” said Tremaine Wright, the chair of the Cannabis Control Board. “We are creating opportunities for patients across the state to access the medicine they need on their own terms, giving those individuals guided autonomy over how they choose to get their medicine, whether it be from the comfort of their own backyards or at their neighborhood medical dispensary.”

The approval comes as New York's broader cannabis market place is expected to be up and running by the end of the year. Medical cannabis in New York was first approved in 2014 and has since expanded to allow a wider array of illnesses. 

“During the process of building the Office of Cannabis Management we recognize that one shoe doesn’t fit all, and today’s vote from the Cannabis Control Board makes sure patients have the options they deserve to get high-quality and safe medicine,” said Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander. “Since our launch, we have been laser-focused on improving cannabis access for patients in our state’s medical program. Allowing patients or their designated caregivers to grow their own cannabis plants will eliminate many barriers to access, and I’m excited that the Office of Cannabis Management is providing the information and education to help medical patients succeed at home cultivation.”

The new regulations take effect Oct. 5.