The complete guide to cannabis in New York City

In New York City, cannabis is legal for both recreational and medical use. But whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s a lot to learn before you jump in.

From buying tips to the distinctions between medical and recreational cannabis, here’s the complete scoop on navigating cannabis in the Big Apple.

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Key takeaways

Here are some important things to know about buying cannabis in NYC.

• Legal age: New York residents and visitors must be at least 21 years old to purchase and use recreational cannabis. State-approved medical cannabis ID holders must be at least 18.
• Purchase limits: Legally, recreational users can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis. Those who have a state-approved medical cannabis ID can possess a 60-day supply.
• Consumption rules: It’s illegal to smoke cannabis in many public spaces in New York.

New York cannabis laws

Both medical and recreational cannabis use is legal in New York state.

Public cannabis consumption is allowed wherever smoking tobacco is permitted. Smoking cannabis is banned in schools, workplaces, and cars.

It’s illegal to drive while under the influence of cannabis. Doing so can result in legal consequences that are similar to driving under the influence of alcohol, including getting your driver’s license suspended.

Both recreational users and those who have a state-approved medical cannabis ID can grow up to six cannabis plants at their private residences for personal use. That includes three immature plants and three mature plants. Each household can grow a maximum of 12 plants per two adults.

Recreational cannabis laws

Recreational cannabis became legal for adults age 21 and older on March 31, 2021, through the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

Recreational users can legally possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrated products like edibles or oil outside the home. You are allowed to store up to 5 pounds of cannabis in your home.

Medical cannabis laws

Medical cannabis was legalized in 2014 with the passing of the Compassionate Care Act.

As a result, those who are age 18 and older and have a valid New York medical cannabis ID can possess up to a 60-day supply as prescribed by their doctor.

New York law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their status as a state-approved medical cannabis ID holder.

Cannabis laws in New York City

Buildings that are part of the New York City Housing Authority have policies that ban smoking and vaping both tobacco and cannabis on their property.

Growing cannabis is also not allowed in federally funded public housing, even for medical purposes. Doing so could result in the loss of housing support.

Private landlords cannot deny you housing simply because you use cannabis. However, private building policies might limit or prohibit smoking and vaping inside your home.

Always check your lease or building rules to understand any restrictions that may apply to you.

Tips for buying cannabis in New York City

Whether you’re a medical or a recreational user, here are some tips to enjoy cannabis safely and legally in NYC:

• Stick to licensed dispensaries: Products sold in state-licensed dispensaries are regulated and tested for safety. Buying outside of a dispensary puts you at risk of consuming products that are unsafe or ineffective.
• Compare prices: Some dispensaries might have deals on specific products. Comparing prices can help you avoid spending more than you need to on your favorite cannabis products.
• Keep up with the law: Both NYC and state laws can change. Stay up to date with your local cannabis laws to avoid any issues.
• Talk to a cannabis expert: If you have questions about cannabis, ask! Budtenders at dispensaries can help you make the best purchase for your needs.
• Bring your documentation: If you’re a New York state medical cannabis ID holder, be sure to have your ID number ready at the dispensary. This way, you can enjoy perks that are unique to medical ID holders, like tax savings and higher possession limits.

Dispensaries in NYC

• Curaleaf (107-18 70th Rd, Queens, NY 11375): Curaleaf is a trusted name with many dispensaries in several states. They offer delivery to local residents, and provide generous deals to medical users and recreational users alike.
• RISE (2 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016): RISE has dispensaries across the country, offering a great selection of vaporizers, pre-rolls, flower, edibles, and everything else you could ask for.
• Cannabist Dispensary (44 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201): Cannabist is a medical dispensary that provides premium cannabis to local medical ID holders, and provides education to help first-time users find products best suited for their needs.

Benefits of getting a medical marijuana ID in New York City

Adults 21 and older don’t need a medical cannabis ID to buy from a dispensary. But if you have a health condition that qualifies for medical cannabis, being an ID holder in New York state comes with benefits, such as:

• Lower age limit: State-approved ID holders can buy cannabis if they’re 18 or older. Recreational users must be at least 21 years old.
• Higher purchase and possession amounts: State-approved medical ID holders can buy and possess a 60-day supply of cannabis — limits for recreational users are more strict.
• Higher-potency products: State-approved ID holders have access to higher-potency products at dispensaries compared with recreational users.
• Lower taxes: State-approved medical ID holders save 10% in taxes on dispensary purchases. Recreational users must pay these taxes.

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How to get a medical marijuana ID in NYC

Gaining access to medical cannabis in NYC is a simple process:

1. Get a doctor’s recommendation for cannabis.
2. Register for medical cannabis through the state.

Physical registry ID cards are no longer being issued in New York. Instead, if you’re approved, you’ll be assigned a registry ID number. This can be used along with a state-issued photo ID to purchase medical cannabis products in dispensaries in NYC.

Finding a doctor

The first step to getting a medical marijuana ID in NYC is finding a doctor who can make a medical cannabis recommendation.

Various doctors in New York City can recommend medical cannabis after an in-person appointment.

Another option is scheduling a telehealth appointment with Leafwell to get a medical cannabis recommendation without having to leave your home.

Once you have the recommendation, you can apply for a registry ID number through the state’s Office of Cannabis Management website. Make sure to have your state-issued photo ID handy.

It can take 7 to 10 days to receive your medical marijuana registry ID number. Once you have it, you can use it to purchase cannabis at any dispensary in NYC.

Qualifying conditions

New York state does not have a defined set of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use. Instead, doctors can recommend cannabis to help manage conditions as needed.

Is weed legal in New York for tourists?

Out-of-state visitors and NYC tourists can purchase cannabis for recreational use in NYC dispensaries as long as they bring their state-issued photo ID and are at least 21 years old.

New York state does not accept medical cannabis cards from other states. This means that out-of-state visitors cannot use their medical cannabis card to make purchases in New York City dispensaries.

Other things to know about cannabis in New York City

Both recreational and medical users can take advantage of cannabis delivery services. Dispensaries that offer weed delivery services in NYC include:

• Freshly Baked NYC
• Society House
• Good Grades

NYC has developed its own cannabis culture. You can connect with New York City-based cannabis businesses at local networking and educational events, including:

• CWCBExpo
• NECANN: New York
• NYC Cannabis Parade

New York City permits “cannabis lounges,” or venues where people can enjoy cannabis in a social setting.

These businesses are not dispensaries, although they do sell cannabis products that you can use on their premises. They are prohibited from selling black-market marijuana.

Resources

• Adult-use cannabis legalization: What you need to know. https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/adult-use-cannabis-legalization_0_1.pdf
• Cannabis (marijuana). https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/marijuana.page
• Landlords. https://cannabis.ny.gov/landlords
• Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). https://cannabis.ny.gov/marihuana-regulation-and-taxation-act-mrta
• Medical cannabis program FAQs. https://cannabis.ny.gov/medical-cannabis-program-faqs
• Medical use of marijuana under the Compassionate Care Act. https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/03/medical-use-of-marijuana-two-year-report-9-27-18.pdf
• NYS Medical Cannabis Program. https://cannabis.ny.gov/medical-cannabis

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• 

  Larger purchase limits

• 

  Access to higher potency strains

• 

  Save up to 40% on product taxes

• 

  Enhanced legal protection

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