It's a new, green era.
Cannabis is legal and in just a few years, New Yorkers have gone from hiding their consumption to celebrating it.
The city was once rife with dispensaries on seemingly every block, but once New York State began licensing shops and closing down unlicensed ones, the landscape literally changed.
On this page, we answer your burning questions, from the basics of buying to the established etiquette of smoking. Plus, we’ve identified the best comfort food and movies perfect to pair your puffs with.
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New York is a green city.
Back in March of 2021, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation into law that effectively legalized marijuana in the state. It was a long time coming: lawmakers had been trying to pass the guidelines since back in 2018 but conversations would stall on the topic of tax revenue from sales. Finally, in 2021, the stage budget proposal included the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (more on that later).
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Fast-forward nearly two years and the legalization of recreational cannabis began to actually take effect and all previous marijuana-related criminal records in the state of New York were given the current legality of the substance.
New York State legalized the sale of cannabis for adult recreational use in 2022. That year, thousands of New Yorkers applied for their Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CUARD) license and (at the time of publication) over 40 of them went on to open licensed dispensaries, including 16 of them right here in New York City in 2023.
Since then, more than 300 have opened across the state, as of January 2025.
Of course, there are still a lot of questions to be answered: Can weed also be grown at home? Where can New Yorkers buy the stuff and will they be stopped if carrying it around? Can anyone sell marijuana now?
Below, check out our extensive guide to marijuana legalization in New York state.
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What’s legal right now in New York?
To put it simply, in New York state, folks who are 21 years of age or older are now legally allowed to buy, sell, consume and grow cannabis for recreational purposes in different forms—within limits.
What does legalization mean for the general public?
There are numerous repercussions to legalization, from its effects on the criminal system (less people will now have a record) to the knowledge surrounding what’s in an actual product and, of course, the farming industry.
“The net effect is that [weed consumption] will be a safer, more predictable experience for everybody,” says Paul Botto, co-founder and president of Lucid Green, a software company that will help dispensaries keep track of product-related information. “I also think it’s going to bring an influx of jobs and revenue to all New York towns. When Colorado legalized weed, the state had a surplus of tax revenue for the first time in decades. When you bring in that kind of money, you can do things that you’ve always wanted to do in education and infrastructure.
The expert also notes that local farmers in particular will rejoice at the fact that they’ll now have another source of income. “Cannabis is a hearty plant,” he says. “For a farmer who is struggling to grow one thing or another, this will give them another option [...] that will be more lucrative.”
Where can I smoke marijuana legally in New York?
According to the City of New York, "adults may smoke or vape cannabis wherever smoking tobacco is allowed under the smoke-free air law." Workplaces and public spaces are therefore off limits, as are restaurants and bars.
Unlike tobacco smoking, though, the use of recreational weed is also not allowed inside motor vehicles (even parked ones) or in outdoor dining areas at restaurants. It's not allowed in parks either.
Many cities and towns can opt to set up on-site consumption areas where people will be able to use cannabis. Specific permits are be needed to create these areas.
Can you smoke on the street in New York?
Yes, anywhere you can smoke a cigarette, you can smoke marijuana.
How much weed am I allowed to carry?
Overall, New Yorkers who are younger than 21 years of age are not allowed to possess, sell or use any amount of cannabis. Those above the age limit are allowed to carry up to three ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis at any given moment.
Where can I legally buy marijuana in New York?
Here's a list of all the legally licensed cannabis shops in New York. You can also check out these spots we featured in our "Meet your licensed dealers" story.
Can I go to a dispensary without a card in New York?
To legally buy medical marijuana in New York right now, you do not need a medical card. As long as you’re above 21 years of age, you’ll be able to buy it from a dispensary.
Are edibles legal?
Yes, edibles are legal in New York as per the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA).
How can I tell if a dispensary is a legally operating one?
According to the city, all legal dispensaries are issued a Dispensary Verification Tool that should be posted in the windows of legally licensed retail dispensaries and available for consumers to see when purchasing via delivery as well.
To put it simply: if you see a QR code by the front door, the dispensary is likely a legal one.
How can I find a legal dispensary in New York?
You can look them up on cannabis.ny.gov, where there’s a full list of verified licensed dispensaries.
What should I look for in a product?
Given the fact that cannabis is now a controlled substance, you can expect the product to be highly scrutinized by a variety of parties before it reaches you.
“You want a product that has been properly tested by a brand that you know is authentic,” says Botto. “But there are a lot of counterfeit products out there.
"The more information provided, the better,” he adds. “That way, the consumer can dial in on their experience. It’s imperative for consumers to hold brands accountable to deliver the information they need to have those experiences. The obvious stuff is that it has to be tested properly and packaged correctly. That’s the beauty of buying legal: [brands] have to meet a bar that illicit sellers don’t have to consider.”
How can I tell if a product is legal?
All regulated and tested marijuana products feature a universal symbol that will help distinguish them from illicit items. All products must have a QR code on them with a certificate of analysis, according to Fagon.
"It's all tracked from seed to sale. It's something intended to protect the consumer so they don't end up in the unregulated industry. All states do it. We want to give New Yorkers the option to buy clean, tested product from right here in New York. By buying legal product, you're reinvesting in the community and supporting local farms and businesses."
Who can legally sell cannabis in New York right now?
No person under the age of 21 is allowed to sell weed in New York. Folks above the age limit are only allowed to sell the products if possessing a license by New York State.
How do you open a dispensary in New York?
The first step to opening a recreational cannabis dispensary in New York is to obtain a CUARD. To apply, you must either meet the qualifying business or nonprofit criteria. You can call 888-727-4692 to check on whether you even qualify for an application.
How else can I get involved in the industry?
It’s not just about dispensaries and consumers. The now-regulated cannabis industry will include the launch of a variety of other jobs at the retail and production level, for example.
“If you fancy yourself a farmer, you can grow cannabis,” says Botto. “There is also a tech side as all the infrastructure to support the cannabis industry is being built.”
