Diego Mendoza-Moyers reports in the Albany Times Union that the application period for farmers, businesses, and universities to grow or process hemp through the state's pilot program is open again. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets runs the program, and this year they have added a new category to permit processing hemp into cannabidiol oil, which has similar painkilling qualities as marijuana, but without psychotropic effects. Applications are Dec. 28, and are available from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets website. This is only the second year of the program. "New York has an opportunity to lead industry growth by creating more opportunities for businesses to produce and manufacture (hemp)," according to a statement from the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The 2018 Farm Bill, still to be voted on by Congress, is expected to make hemp and CBD oil federally legal. Read the full story in the Albany Times Union.