The Complete Guide to Cannabis in New York City

Welcome to the vibrant cannabis scene in New York City. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s essential to get acquainted with the local cannabis laws.

In NYC, cannabis is legal for both recreational and medical use. But before you jump in, there’s much more to understand.

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

Key Takeaways

Legal Age: You must be at least 21 years old to purchase and use recreational cannabis.
Purchase Limits: Legally, you can possess up to three ounces of cannabis. Patients can possess a 60-day supply.
Consumption Rules: Public consumption is prohibited; enjoy your cannabis in private spaces.
Approved Dispensaries: Always buy from state-licensed dispensaries to ensure you get safe, regulated products.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of cannabis laws in New York City and guide you through the essentials for an informed and enjoyable experience.

Everything to Know

cannabis laws by state

What are cannabis laws in New York State?

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

The evolution of cannabis laws in New York has been gradual, with medical cannabis legalized in 2014 and recreational cannabis being legalized with the passage of The cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March 2021. Patients 18 or older with a valid New York medical cannabis card can possess up to a 60-day supply of cannabis as prescribed by their healthcare provider.

Recreational cannabis use is also legal for adults at least twenty-one. Recreational users can possess up to three ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. New Yorkers can smoke or vape cannabis wherever tobacco is allowed, except in motor vehicles or outdoor dining areas.

The New York state medical cannabis program allows patients with qualifying conditions to obtain and use medical cannabis products. To be eligible, patients must have a recommendation from a registered healthcare provider. They can then get a medical cannabis card, and purchase cannabis products from a licensed dispensing facility.

New York medical marijuana is available in various forms. Some examples of medical cannabis products are vape cartridges/pens, flower, capsules/tablets, tinctures, oral sprays, oral powders, lozenges, metered ground plant preparation for vaporization, whole flower cannabis for vaporization, and transdermal patches.

Certified New York medical marijuana patients aged 21 and older can cultivate up to six cannabis plants at their private residence for personal use, with a maximum of three immature and three mature female plants. Designated caregivers can also grow up to six plants per patient, with a maximum of 12 plants at any time.

Seeds and immature plants for home cultivation are also available for sale to certified patients or their designated caregivers at some registered organizations dispensing locations. Cannabis cultivation is not allowed in federally funded public housing sites, even for medical purposes, as it could result in loss of housing support.

New York legalized recreational cannabis use for adults at least 21 in March 2021. Under the new law, individuals can possess up to three ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis for personal use.

Public consumption of cannabis is allowed wherever smoking tobacco is permitted, but it is prohibited in locations such as schools, workplaces, and vehicles. Some cities also have additional rules on where residents can consume cannabis.

New York law provides employment protections for medical cannabis cardholders, prohibiting employers from discriminating against employees based on their status as medical cannabis patients.

What are cannabis laws in New York City?

Employers cannot take any action against you for legally using cannabis outside of work. They can, however, create and enforce policies that prohibit impairment or use while on the job. To stay informed, ask for your employer’s specific cannabis policies. It’s important to know they can discipline you if you are impaired by or using cannabis during work hours.

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 the restrictions.

NYCHA housing developments have smoke-free policies that ban smoking and vaping of both tobacco and cannabis on the property. This means no lighting up, no matter what substance you use.

If you live in public housing that is part of a federal program, remember that federal law prohibits the possession and use of cannabis and cannabis products. This supersedes state laws, so federal rules apply here.

Qualifying conditions

There is no defined set of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use in New York. Instead, healthcare providers can recommend cannabis for other conditions they believe may benefit from its use.

How to Get a Medical Card in New York City

closeup hand holding MMJ card

You must be at least 18 and have a doctor’s recommendation to be eligible for a medical cannabis certification in New York. You can discuss qualifying for medical cannabis with your current physician or search for a New York City cannabis doctor to learn if your health concern may benefit from cannabis use.

Many New York City residents have also successfully used telemedicine services such as Leafwell to connect with a New York medical cannabis doctor virtually. New York permits healthcare providers to conduct medical cannabis evaluations and issue recommendations through telemedicine, allowing patients to obtain their medical cannabis card online with Leafwell.

Anyone needing a caregiver (New York requires caregivers for those under 18 or those who cannot provide informed consent) can designate up to five caregivers.

Patients must register as medical cannabis patients to finish the application process after meeting with their doctor to get their recommendation.

According to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), as of 03/20/2023, physical registry ID cards are no longer being issued in New York. Patient certifications will contain a registry ID number to be used with a government-issued photo ID to purchase medical cannabis products. You must have a medical cannabis registry ID number to shop at medical dispensaries.

As of 2023, caregivers may be added at any time after the approving provider completes the patient’s state registration.

Caregivers must register with the Medical Cannabis Data Management System (MCDMS) via their personal my.ny.gov account.
Patients must designate the caregiver on their registration via their personal my.ny.gov account before the caregiver can register.

Other Advantages of a Medical Cannabis Card

jars of cannabis on a tables with hands of people visible and an MMJ card

Though cannabis is legal for recreational use in New York, there are still many benefits to getting a medical certification, including lower costs and higher possession limits.

If you purchase cannabis regularly, you can save thousands of dollars with a medical card since recreational cannabis is taxed at nearly double the rate that medical cannabis is in New York. Effective June 2024, the excise tax on medical cannabis sold to a certified patient or designated caregiver is reduced to 3.15 percent.

Medical cardholders in New York are permitted to possess a two-month supply of cannabis products. Recreational users are capped at three ounces of dry flower or 24 grams of cannabis concentrate.

Additionally, there are only a few recreationally licensed dispensaries in New York City, so those with a medical cannabis card have many more shopping options compared to those without.

Where to Consume Cannabis in New York City?

person smoking joint on green background

In New York City, you can freely consume cannabis in private residences, such as your own home or someone else’s, with their permission. Your landlord has the final word on whether to allow or restrict cannabis use on their premises.

If you’re renting, it’s crucial to review your lease agreement and discuss cannabis use with your landlord. Some landlords have specific policies about cannabis consumption, and breaking these rules could result in eviction or other penalties. Federally subsidized housing has a strict no-cannabis rule due to federal regulations that still classify cannabis as an illegal substance, despite state laws.

Public consumption, however, is generally off-limits. This means no smoking or consuming cannabis in parks, sidewalks, or on public transport. It’s also illegal to use cannabis in places where smoking tobacco is banned, including indoor workplaces, restaurants, bars, and other public indoor areas. The Clean Indoor Air Act covers both tobacco and cannabis, so it’s essential to be aware of where you can and cannot consume.

Using cannabis in motor vehicles is another no-go, whether you’re driving or just a passenger. Consuming cannabis in a moving or stationary vehicle is illegal to prevent impaired driving and maintain road safety. When traveling, cannabis must be stored in a tamper-proof container out of reach.

Some private venues, like cannabis lounges or designated consumption areas, may permit on-site consumption. These places need to follow local regulations and have the proper permits. Always check the specific rules of any establishment before consuming cannabis there.

Local Brands / Producers

Here are a few of our favorite New York City- and New York-based cannabis brands and dispensaries:

Products Only Available in New York City and New York State

cannabis topical cream

While many CBD and hemp products are generally legal nationwide, companies selling THC-containing cannabis products have to comply with local and state-wide regulations. As such, some cannabis brands are exclusively available in New York – we’ve listed some of our favorites here: