Weed in New York, What you Need to Know

Liz Filmer
31 Jul 2024

In March 2021, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo authorised legislation effectively legalising cannabis in the state. New York State legalised the sale of cannabis for recreational use in 2022.


 In New York state, those over 21 years of age or older are legally allowed to buy, sell, use and cultivate cannabis for recreational use in various forms. There are some rules, however. If you are thinking about visiting New York and using or buying cannabis here are some things you should know.

Where can you smoke cannabis legally in New York?

Adults over 21 can smoke or vape cannabis wherever smoking tobacco is allowed under the smoke-free air law. Workplaces and public spaces including restaurants and bars are exempt.

Unlike tobacco, however, recreational weed is not allowed to be smoked inside motor vehicles (even if parked) or in outdoor areas at restaurants. Many cities and towns have set up on-site consumption areas for people to use cannabis.

Can you smoke on the street?

You may smoke cannabis anywhere you can smoke a cigarette.

How much weed are you allowed to carry?

People over 21 years can carry a maximum of three ounces of cannabis flower and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis.

Where can you legally buy Cannabis in New York?

You can buy cannabis from any of the legally approved dispensaries. As long as you’re over 21 years of age you’ll be able to weed from a dispensary. you will not need a card like previous medicinal users were required to have. This includes edibles which are also legal

How can you tell if a dispensary is a legal one?

All legal dispensaries will have been issued with a Dispensary Verification Tool that should be displayed in the windows of legally licensed retail dispensaries and available for customers to see.

How can you find a legal dispensary in New York?

You can check on cannabis.ny.gov, for a full list of confirmed licensed dispensaries.

How can you tell if a product is legal?

All regulated and tested cannabis products will feature a universal symbol that will help differentiate them from illegal items. All products will have a QR code and a certificate of analysis.

Who can legally sell cannabis in New York?

No one under the age of 21 is permitted to sell cannabis in New York. Those over 21 are only allowed to sell the products if they have a license from New York State. 

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Liz Filmer