The state Cannabis Control Board issued the first licenses to 52 local farmers to grow marijuana for adult recreational use— a major step in launching the seed to sale industry in the Empire State.

The cannabis grown by farmers or “cultivators” awarded licenses Thursday will feed the first products sold at legal cannabis retail stores later this year, according to the board.

“It’s a very big deal. I’m happy the license went to a small farm like ours,” said Brian Andoos, co-partner with Mark Carroll of Route 27 Hempyard in Center Moriches in Long Island’s East End.

The Route 27 farm currently grows hops for beer and hemp.

He said winning a license to grow marijuana will greatly expand the farm’s business.

“We’ll bring in more employees. It will be good for all,” Andoos said.

Andoos anticipate planting marijuana seeds later in the spring for harvest in the fall. Route 27 has a greenhouse, so he anticipates growing weed indoors and outdoors.

Brian F. Conlon, 65, who runs a small 60-acre farm in upstate Glenville, was thrilled after being awarded a conditional 2-year cannabis cultivator license.

“I’m looking for something to retire into,” said Conlon, whose daughter has her own farm nearby.

Conlon Farms currently grows hemp, corn, tomatoes, pumpkins and hay for his horses — and soon pot. [Read More @ The NY Post]