Marijuana Dispensaries in New York
- New York Cannabis
- Bronx County Cannabis
- Marijuana Dispensaries in New York
Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in New York City?
There are currently no approved recreational marijuana dispensaries in New York City. Although New York State's S854-9, also called the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), passed in March 2021, legalized adult-use marijuana in New York, the state is still establishing policies and procedures for making recreational marijuana accessible to residents. New York City adults aged 21 or older may be able to purchase marijuana from retail dispensaries expected to be operational by the end of 2022 under the cannabis business licenses issued under the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CUARD) program.
Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in New York City?
Yes. Medical marijuana dispensaries exist in New York City pursuant to New York State's Compassionate Care Act which legalized medical cannabis in New York in 2014. To find approved medical marijuana dispensaries in your location in New York City, use the dispensing facilities search tool on the New York State Office of Cannabis Management website.
Can You Buy Cannabis from Online Weed Dispensaries in New York City?
You cannot currently order weed online in New York City as adult-use cannabis remains illegal. However, registered medical marijuana patients can order medical cannabis online and have it delivered to their locations. To order medical cannabis online for delivery or pickup, buyers must upload their photo identifications, and deliveries can only be made to the addresses listed on these photo identifications. There are no restrictions on the type of medical cannabis products that may be purchased online in New York City. Buyers may order medical cannabis in the form of gummies, creams, vape pens, tinctures, lotions, topical oils, and edibles.
Visiting a Dispensary In New York City
Visiting a dispensary in New York City is not much different from visiting a speciality store. Most dispensary workers will permit you to explore the facility at your own pace, provided you are of legal age. However, you must take valid photo identification and cash to purchase recreational cannabis, or medical marijuana card, state-issued photo ID, and cash if you intend to buy medical marijuana. Note that while medical marijuana dispensaries are already operational, recreational marijuana dispensaries are not expected to open in the city until at least the end of 2022.
New York City Dispensary Laws
New York City does not currently have ordinances or regulations pertaining to cannabis dispensaries, as the sales of recreational marijuana have yet to begin in the city.
Recreational Laws In New York City
Pursuant to the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), New York City residents aged 21 or older can transport or possess up to 3 ounces or 85 grams of weed and up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate. Marijuana use is prohibited in motor vehicles, even if parked or in outdoor dining areas at restaurants. No resident may possess more than the stipulated limits, sell any amounts without a license, or drive under the influence of marijuana. New York City residents may also grow three marijuana plants at home. Households in the city with more than one adult may grow three mature and three immature plants. New York City adults may also store up to five pounds of cannabis at home.
Medical Cannabis Laws In New York City
Medical cannabis became legal in New York City in 2014, when the New York State began its medical marijuana program. New York City residents suffering from qualifying conditions need recommendations from qualified healthcare practitioners to obtain up to 60-day supplies of medical cannabis from approved medical cannabis dispensaries. The exact amount considered as a 60-day supply will be dictated by the certifying healthcare provider.
New York City medical marijuana laws permit smokable cannabis to be purchased at medical cannabis dispensing facilities. Registered patients under the New York Medical Marijuana Program may also designate caregivers to assist in purchasing and administering medical cannabis on their behalf if they are under 18 or unable to administer medical cannabis due to their medical conditions. Medical cannabis patients in New York City can also grow up to six marijuana plants at home at a time.
How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In New York City
To be eligible for a medical marijuana card in New York City, you must:
Be aged 18 or older
Be a resident in New York City or another New York State location
Suffer from one or more of the qualifying health conditions
To get a medical marijuana card (MMJ) in New York City, you must consult with an approved healthcare provider qualified to recommend medical marijuana. Typically, that healthcare provider is your primary care physician. For a list of approved healthcare providers in New York City, visit the state medical marijuana program website. After examination and if the healthcare provider determines you are eligible for medical cannabis, you will receive a recommendation for medical marijuana.
Subsequently, take a copy of your New York State identification and the recommendation from the healthcare provider, and apply online via the New York Patient Registration System. You may also be required to pay a $50 application fee on the system. After, you will receive a notification in the mail, usually within a few days, confirming the acceptance or denial of your application. Your physical MMJ card will arrive in the mail within 7-10 business days if approved. The MMJ card is valid for a period of one year.
Where Is It Legal To Consume Cannabis In New York City?
Consuming cannabis publicly in New York City, or at federally owned buildings or structures, is illegal. Persons who consume cannabis at rented properties must also obtain their landlords' permission before consuming cannabis in such facilities.
How To Buy Cannabis at a New York City Dispensary
You cannot currently buy recreational marijuana in New York City as recreational cannabis sales have yet to begin. However, to purchase medical cannabis, you must:
Be registered under the state medical marijuana program
Obtain a medical marijuana recommendation from an approved healthcare provider in the state
Visit an approved medical marijuana dispensing facility with a valid OCM-issued medical marijuana card under the state medical marijuana program, an acceptable government-issued photo ID, certification from the recommending physician, and cash
The Average Price of Cannabis In New York City
Medical cannabis product prices vary in New York City. Typically, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) determines the reasonableness of prices proposed by dispensing facilities before approving them as the maximum price per dose each dispensing facility may charge. Note that the prices charged are linked to the cost to manufacture, market, and distribute products. Dispensing facilities may also charge less than the approved prices.
Most Popular Strains in New York City
The most popular cannabis strains in New York City are OG Kush, American Haze, Diesel, Gorilla Glue, AK-47, Do-Si-Dos, Northern Lights, Girl Scout Cookies, Grape Ape, and Blue Cheese.
Can You Smoke In Public In New York City?
With a few exceptions, adults may smoke or vape cannabis anywhere tobacco smoking is permitted under smoke-free air legislation. The use of cannabis is prohibited in motor vehicles (even while parked) and in restaurants outside eating areas. A civil summons and penalties may be issued for smoking or vaping cannabis in restricted places.
How Much Marijuana Can You Possess at Once in New York City?
Under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), adults aged 21 or older may possess up to 3 ounces or 85 grams of marijuana and up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate. Medical marijuana patients are permitted under the Compassionate Care Act to purchase 60-day supplies of medical cannabis in the forms specified by their recommending physicians.
Can I Ship Cannabis in New York City?
It is illegal to ship cannabis in New York City. Shipping cannabis across state lines into New York City is a federal offense and may attract heavy fines and other penalties. If you are moving from another New York State location to New York City and are of legal age, you can transport medical (if you are a registered medical marijuana patient) and recreational cannabis within the stipulated limits.
Can I Order Cannabis Online in New York City?
You cannot yet order recreational cannabis in New York City as adult-use marijuana sales are yet to begin in the city. It is not yet clear whether New York City will permit recreational marijuana dispensaries to allow buyers to shop for cannabis online when sales start.
Are there 24-hour Dispensaries in New York City?
Recreational marijuana dispensaries are not yet operational in New York City. However, medical cannabis dispensaries have varying hours of operation. In order to find the hours of operation for medical marijuana dispensing facilities in New York City, review the websites of approved dispensing facilities in your location.
Can Tourists Use Dispensaries In New York City?
With recreational cannabis dispensaries not yet open in New York City, tourists cannot yet legally purchase cannabis in New York City. Also, the city does not permit tourists intending to purchase medical marijuana to use their registration ID from other jurisdictions to purchase medical cannabis within its borders.
Do You Need an ID for a Dispensary In New York City?
Yes. You must show your medical marijuana identification or registration card issued by the Office of Cannabis Management of the New York State Department of Health and government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, before purchasing medical marijuana in New York City. Note that when recreational marijuana sales begin in the City, buyers will be required to show government-issued photo identifications as proof of legal age before purchases may be made.
Best Dispensaries In New York City
The best medical marijuana dispensing facilities in New York City are:
Do Dispensaries Scan Your ID in New York City?
Some medical marijuana dispensaries in New York City scan the ID cards of buyers, while others only physically check the cards to ensure that potential buyers are of legal age. It is unclear whether recreational marijuana dispensaries will scan IDs or only physically check IDs when they start operations.
How Many Dispensaries are In New York City
There are currently no approved recreational marijuana dispensaries in New York City. For a list of medical marijuana dispensaries operating in the City, use the medical marijuana dispensing facility search tool on the Office of Cannabis Management website.
Can Dispensaries in New York City Take Credit Cards?
Medical marijuana dispensing facilities do not typically accept credit cards for payments. Due to federal banking regulations, dispensing facilities do not accept credit card payments. However, most dispensaries have cash ATMs for purchasers to use at their convenience. Dispensing facilities offering delivery services usually accept cash on delivery.
How Many Dispensaries Can You Visit In One Day?
There is no limit to the number of medical marijuana dispensaries a registered patient may visit in one day in New York City. Note that New York state limits the amount of medical marijuana you can purchase during a 60-day period.
Do Dispensaries In New York City Take Health Insurance?
Medicaid and other public and commercial health insurance plans do not cover marijuana in New York City. However, legislation is pending in New York State that would require public health insurance schemes in the state to cover medical marijuana expenses. The bill is also expected to clarify that private insurers are permitted to cover medical marijuana expenses.
Do Dispensaries In New York City Track How Much Weed You Buy?
Although medical marijuana dispensaries track purchase limits via their point-of-sale software, marijuana purchases are not shared with the government. Tracking is only done to ensure patients do not exceed the limits stipulated under the law.
Can You Enter a Dispensary In New York City at Age 18?
No. You must be 21 or older to enter a recreational marijuana dispensary in New York City. However, registered medical marijuana patients aged 18 or older may enter approved medical marijuana dispensing facilities in the City.
Where Can I Find New York City Cannabis Regulators Contact Information?
The agency responsible for regulating cannabis in New York City is the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The OCM is tasked with issuing licenses for cannabis establishments participating in the adult-use, medical, and cannabinoid hemp industries. You can find contact information for the OCM on the agency’s website.
How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities In New York City?
You can report illegal cannabis activities, such as smoking cannabis at prohibited locations, through the New York City complaint portal or by calling 311.