It’s legal for tourist visiting New York City to buy and consume cannabis. But just because it’s legal doesn’t mean there aren’t rules.
It’s important to know where you can legally smoke and how much you can carry.
New York allows adults 21+ visiting the state to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries and carry up to 3 ounces of flower or 24 grams of concentrates.
Here are some other things to keep in mind as a tourist:
| Feature | Medical Cannabis | Adult-Use Cannabis |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Patients with a healthcare provider’s certification. | Adults 21 or older. |
| Age | All ages (under 18 requires a caregiver). | 21 years or older. |
| Access | Licensed medical dispensaries. | Licensed adult-use dispensaries. |
| Products | Often focused on therapeutic ratios (e.g., high CBD). | Broader range of recreational products. |
| Taxation | Exempt from some cannabis taxes. | Subject to state and local sales taxes (~13%). |
| Home Grow | Permitted for patients (regulations pending). | Will be permitted for adults 21+ (regulations pending). |
Where you can smoke in NY: Anywhere tobacco smoking is allowed, like sidewalks and some outdoor public spaces.
Where you can’t smoke: Cars, schools, workplaces, federal property, most hotels, and any area with local smoking bans.
Possession limits: Up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrates per person, age 21+.
Buying legally: Only purchase from licensed dispensaries—unlicensed shops can sell untested or illegal products.
Travel rules: You can’t take cannabis out of New York or onto planes since it’s illegal under federal law.
Driving: Never drive after consuming—New York treats cannabis DUIs the same as alcohol DUIs.
Let’s go into more details on these so you can enjoy cannabis in the city without any surprises.
Buying and Consuming Cannabis in the NYC as a Visitor
New York City has both legal and unlicensed shops, and they can look very similar. As a visitor, always check the Office of Cannabis Management’s Dispensary Verification Tool before making a purchase.
Licensed stores sell tested, safe products and follow strict labeling and packaging rules, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
2. Where You Can Smoke in New York
As a tourist, you can enjoy cannabis in most places where tobacco smoking is permitted. Sidewalks, some public parks, and outdoor areas without “no smoking” signs are generally fine.
It’s always smart to look around before lighting up. NYC neighborhoods have their own vibe, and not every space is welcoming to cannabis use even if it’s technically legal.
Learn more about smoking cannabis in public in NYC.
3. Places Where Smoking Is Prohibited
Cannabis may be legal, but many places are still off-limits. You can’t smoke in cars (even parked ones), schools, workplaces, federal buildings, or areas with specific local bans.
Hotels and short-term rentals often have strict no-smoking rules indoors, so double-check before you assume it’s okay.
Breaking these rules could lead to fines or being asked to leave private property.
4. Understanding Possession Limits
Tourists 21 and older can legally carry up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrates. These limits apply to tourists, not just New York residents.
Carrying more than this can lead to civil penalties or even criminal charges if the amount is excessive. So buy what you’ll use on your trip, not a stash to take home.
Learn more about NYC cannabis laws.
5. Travel Rules for Tourists
Here’s where many visitors slip up: you cannot take cannabis out of New York or bring it onto planes.
Federal law still classifies cannabis as illegal, and TSA operates under federal rules. That means any cannabis in your luggage—even edibles—could put you at risk of federal penalties once you leave the state.
Read more about federal cannabis laws.
6. Driving and Cannabis Laws
Driving while high is treated the same as drunk driving in New York. Police can pull you over for impairment, and cannabis DUIs come with severe legal and financial consequences.
If you plan on consuming, use public transportation, rideshares, or walk. It’s the safest and easiest way to avoid trouble.
7. Rules for Sharing, Selling, and Gifting?
- Sharing and Gifting: It is legal to share or gift cannabis to adults 21 or older, as long as you stay within the legal possession limits (3 ounces of flower, 24 grams of concentrate) and no money is exchanged.
- Selling: Selling any amount of cannabis without a license is illegal. This includes “gifting” schemes where cannabis is included with the sale of another item.
8. Types of Products and Payment Methods Available
At Stoops in Flatiron, we sell traditional flower, including pre-rolls, edibles (gummies, chocolates, drinks), THC vapes, tinctures, and potent concentrates.
Cash is the most reliable payment method. Due to federal laws, we can’t accept credit cards. But we have an on-site ATM and accept debit cards.
9. Penalties for Violating NYC Legal Laws
While New York has decriminalized many offenses, breaking the rules still has consequences.
- Driving While Impaired: This is a serious crime with the same penalties as a DWI. If you feel different, you drive different. Don’t risk it.
- Possession Over the Limit: Carrying more than 3 ounces of flower or 24 grams of concentrate can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
- Unlicensed Sales: Selling cannabis without a license is a serious offense with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, including potential prison time.
- Public Consumption: Getting caught smoking in a prohibited area typically results in a civil summons and a fine of up to $50, similar to a parking ticket.
On a positive note, New York’s law includes provisions to automatically expunge past low-level marijuana convictions, helping to repair damage from the war on drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions tourists ask.
Do you need to be New York residents to buy cannabis in NYC?
No. As long as you’re 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID), you can legally buy cannabis in NYC—even as a tourist.
Can I smoke weed in my hotel or Airbnb?
Many hotels and rentals have strict no-smoking policies, so always check with the host or front desk before lighting up.
Can you carry cannabis on the NYC subway, buses, or ferries?
Yes. Adults 21+ can carry up to 3 ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of concentrates. Just don’t consume it while on public transportation.
Is it legal to bring cannabis products to the airport or on a plane from New York?
No. Cannabis is still illegal under federal law, so you cannot take it through airport security or on a flight—even if it’s legal at your destination.
Can tourists order cannabis delivery in Manhattan?
Yes! Many dispensaries, including Stoops NYC, offer legal delivery to hotels, Airbnbs, and homes within Manhattan.
ying Cannabis as a Tourist in NYC
Visiting New York City and curious about cannabis? As long as you’re 21 or older with a valid government-issued ID, you can legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries—including Stoops NYC in the Flatiron District.
At Stoops NYC, we make it easy for tourists and locals alike:
Shop in person at 182 5th Ave, just a short walk from Union Square, Chelsea, and Koreatown.
Order online for fast pickup or delivery throughout Manhattan.
Explore premium brands like Silly Nice, Runtz, 5Boro, Good Green, ElectraLeaf, and more—all curated by our knowledgeable team.
Whether you want flower, edibles, vapes, or concentrates, our friendly budtenders will guide you toward the right products so you can enjoy cannabis safely and responsibly during your trip.
Ready to experience the best of NYC cannabis? Shop Stoops NYC online or stop by today for a welcoming, judgment-free dispensary experience in the heart of Manhattan.