Anyone 21 or older could buy medical marijuana without a prescription under the proposal, which would also impose penalties on stores giving out cannabis with the purchase of other items. Such businesses have taken off in the city, where pot is legal but Congress has blocked efforts to establish a recreational market.

The Mohawks, like tribes in other states, moved quickly to set up their own regulations. That’s OK with state officials, but federal regulators’ position is less clear.

Chemically changing hemp extract to mimic the intoxicating compound in marijuana is becoming more common. And while the resulting CBD products aren’t expected to compete with top-shelf cannabis offerings, chemically-made THC is so cheap to create some fear it could undercut established growers.

After years of debate, the state’s Republican-dominated legislature moves closer to allowing some form of cannabis use. The bill’s co-sponsor described people whose lives have been “turned around by these products,” but who also feel like they’re criminals.

The state’s Republican-controlled House defeats an effort to begin some sales this year. But possessing cannabis is already legal in the state, and that could mean big business for illegal sellers.

The state’s first retail marijuana businesses are expected to open this fall.