Weed dispensaries in New York
Weed dispensaries in New York
Visiting a Dispensary in New York
From New York City to Buffalo, Niagara Falls to Broadway, and the Finger Lakes Region to Long Island, New York offers endless opportunities to see, explore, and experience—and robust cannabis access to match. Here’s what you need to do before visiting a medical or recreational dispensary in the state.
New York Cannabis Dispensary Maps
The Lowdown on New York Cannabis Laws
Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in New York. Medical marijuana was legalized in 2014 under the state’s Compassionate Care Act (or S7923), and in 2021 the state passed the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act. This bill allowed for the possession, purchase, and transport of cannabis, and created the Office of Cannabis Management for the state, which is governed by the Cannabis Control Board. This law also created changes to the Medical Marijuana Program in the state with planned future expansion.
Recreational Cannabis Laws in New York
New York recreational weed use is legal for adults ages 21 and over, who can possess up to:
3 Ounces (85 grams) of cannabis
24 Grams of cannabis concentrate
3 Mature and 3 immature cannabis plants per individual
A maximum of 12 plants per home
Medical Cannabis Laws in New York
The Medical Marijuana Program is a component of the Department of Health. Individuals who wish to use cannabis outside of the recreational use restrictions can gain a medical marijuana card. The state has approved cannabis for numerous types of health conditions, including:
ALS
HIV/AIDs
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Post-traumatic stress disorder
IBS
Chronic pain
Substance abuse disorder
Recreational users can have licensed caregivers obtain cannabis products for them. Those who have medical approval can have up to a 60-day supply at any time.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New York
To obtain a medical marijuana card in the state of New York, patients must:
Contact their physician to determine if the use of cannabis is beneficial to their condition
Have their physician provide their licensing and certification with the Department of Health
Register online to obtain a registry id card
Pay a $50 fee (which may be waived in some situations; more information is available on the website)
One approved, the health department issues a temporary ID card through the online portal before one is mailed to the individual.
It’s important to know that medical marijuana laws are changing rapidly in the state. There are current discussions of expanding this program.To stay up to date on the laws, you can check the NY.gov website.
Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in New York?
It’s not legal to smoke or use vapor-based cannabis products anywhere that tobacco is banned from being used. It’s also illegal to use cannabis within 100 feet of a school. It’s illegal to use medical or recreational cannabis in vehicles, even when parked on a lot, and illegal to transport marijuana products out of the state.
How to Buy Cannabis at a New York Dispensary
Both recreational and medical dispensaries are plentiful across the state, including in both major cities and small towns. Dispensaries are generally open between 9am-10pm, with many offering delivery and curbside pickup. All adults must show an ID or medical marijuana card in order to purchase.
Cannabis Taxes in New York
There’s a 13% tax on cannabis in New York, with 9% going to the state, and 4% going to local governments where the purchase takes place. The funds themselve are used for general needs.