Is Weed Legal in New York? What You Need to Know Before Visiting a Dispensary
New York became the 15th state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use cannabis in the spring of 2021, but the rollout was a disaster, as unlicensed shops outnumbered licensed dispensaries. This messy rollout with the proliferation of many illicit shops statewide has left consumers confused about where to buy safe, lab-tested, and legal cannabis in the Empire State.
In addition, there were no clear regulations at that time to effectively oversee licensing, enforcement, and product safety, which further contributed to the chaos. If you are wondering if weed is legal in New York and what the New York state weed laws are, we’ve got you covered.
This guide covers everything you need to know about weed laws in New York, whether you are a medical weed user, a tourist, or someone who uses weed for recreational purposes.
Is weed legal in New York?
Is weed legal in NYC? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Weed has been legal in New York since 2016, when the state legalized the use of medical marijuana.
Five years later, in 2021, Albany lawmakers passed the MRTA (Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act), making weed legal for recreational use. Here is what you should know about the weed legalization in New York:
People who are 21 years old or older can use, buy, possess, and smoke cannabis. However, cannabis consumption comes with limits: adults in New York can possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis for personal use. Possessing cannabis beyond this limit can result in fines, legal penalties, or criminal charges.
As a part of New York state weed laws, you may smoke or vape cannabis wherever tobacco smoking is allowed. However, smoking in outdoor dining areas at restaurants, schools, colleges, public parks, and subway stations is illegal.
Driving a vehicle under the influence of marijuana or cannabis products is still a crime.
With the consumption and carrying of cannabis, growing cannabis for recreational purposes is also allowed in New York, but with limits. You can grow up to 3 immature and 3 mature cannabis plants at your home, as long as they are not accessible to anyone under the age of 21.
With the evolving landscape of weed legalization in the United States, several states across the country have expanded existing regulations and introduced new laws. Read our complete guide to the states where weed is legal in the U.S.!
Is weed legal in New York for tourists?
Yes, tourists can buy weed in New York — but with limits. If you are over 21 years old, you’re allowed to purchase and possess weed in New York State.
The possession limit for non-residents or out-of-state visitors is up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis, such as vapes, oils, and tinctures.
Bear in mind: while tourists can legally purchase and possess these amounts, they cannot transport cannabis across state lines, regardless of the laws in the state they’re traveling to. That means if you purchase cannabis in New York, it must be consumed within the state.
Do I need a medical marijuana card to buy medical marijuana in New York?
In New York, people who suffer from serious illnesses may access medical-grade marijuana if they have a valid New York medical marijuana card. However, patients must purchase medical marijuana from state-approved dispensaries and must apply for and be approved by the medical marijuana program before making any purchases.
New York State enforces some of the most stringent medical marijuana regulations in the United States, with multiple restrictions on how qualified patients can purchase medical marijuana.
Which medical conditions qualify for New York’s medical marijuana program?
Patients with certain medical conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, neuropathies, Huntington’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis may be approved for New York’s medical marijuana program.
Are weed edibles legal in New York?
Yes, THC and CBD edibles are legal in New York for adults 21 and older.
Can I go to a dispensary with a medical card to buy recreational cannabis in New York?
To buy recreational cannabis, you don’t need to go to a dispensary with a medical card. You can legally purchase it without a medical card as long as you are 21 years old or older.
How can I find a legal dispensary in New York?
As you should buy cannabis products from a licensed NYC dispensary, it is crucial to verify whether it is licensed and compliant with New York State cannabis laws.
According to New York State cannabis enforcement, licensed dispensaries are required to display the NYS Dispensary Verification Tool in their storefronts.
You should also check the OCM dispensary verification list to ensure the shop is legally authorized to sell cannabis products.
To put it simply, if you see a sticker with a QR code posted on a dispensary’s storefront, it means the dispensary is licensed to sell cannabis products in New York.