As a Manhattan cannabis dispensary, it’s our obligation to make sure your up-to-date on NY cannabis laws in 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know to purchase and enjoy cannabis safely and responsibly in NYC.
_____________________
New York’s cannabis laws fall under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), the legislation that legalized adult-use cannabis statewide.
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the Cannabis Control Board oversee licensing dispensaries and setting safety and testing standards so product meets state regulations.
_____________________
Who Can Legally Buy and Use Cannabis
You must be 21 or older to purchase, possess, or consume adult-use cannabis.
New York has also expanded its medical cannabis program, making it easier for patients with qualifying conditions to get certified and access regulated products.
While cannabis is legal under New York law, it is still illegal under federal law. That means you cannot take it across state lines, use it on federal property, or bring it into places where federal rules apply.
Possession Limits: How Much You Can Legally Carry
Adults 21 and older can carry up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrate (like oils or vapes) at a time.
This is the legal limit for personal use. Possessing more than the legal limit can lead to civil fines for smaller amounts or criminal penalties for larger amounts, with charges escalating based on weight.
If you’re sharing with friends, you can gift cannabis as long as no money changes hands. Selling without a license is still illegal, and only licensed dispensaries can legally sell cannabis products.
If you’re near NYC, here’s how to find our licensed dispensary.
Where You Can and Can’t Consume
You can legally smoke or vape cannabis anywhere tobacco smoking is allowed. That means sidewalks, some public outdoor spaces, and private residences (with the owner’s permission) are usually fine.
There are clear smoke-free zones: workplaces, restaurants, bars, schools, cars, and any federal property, like courthouses or national parks.
Some local rules may be even stricter, so always look out for posted signs or building rules before lighting up.
Cannabis use on college campuses is still prohibited under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and students may face disciplinary actions even though cannabis is legal under state law.
Learn more about smoking cannabis in public.
Home Cultivation: Growing Your Own
New York allows adults 21 and older to grow cannabis at home, but there are limits.
Each person can grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants, with a household maximum of 6 mature and 6 immature plants.
Plants must be grown in a secure, private space that’s not accessible to anyone under 21. Home growing rules have rolled out gradually, so always check for the latest regulations before you start planting.
Safe and Responsible Consumption
Even though cannabis is legal in New York, it’s important to use it responsibly.
Avoid driving after consuming. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192(4) and carries serious penalties similar to alcohol-related DUIs.
If you’re planning to enjoy cannabis, arrange for a ride, walk, or wait until you’re completely sober.
Keep your products in their original packaging with labels intact. This shows that you bought them legally and helps you know exactly what you’re consuming.
It’s also illegal to take cannabis across state lines or onto federal property. Those rules haven’t changed, and you could still get into serious trouble.
Federal vs. State Law Conflicts
While cannabis is legal under New York State law, it remains illegal under federal law. This federal vs. state law conflict means you can’t take cannabis across state lines, use it on federal property, or expect protection under federal laws if you break New York regulations.
Learn more about federal vs. New York State laws.
Consumer Rights & Clearing Past Convictions
New York’s legalization laws also include protections for consumers and opportunities for people impacted by past cannabis laws.
If you have a prior cannabis conviction, you may be eligible for record sealing or even expungement under New York law. This means certain past offenses can be removed or hidden from your record, making it easier to apply for jobs, housing, and more.
The law also places limits on law enforcement: officers can no longer use the smell of cannabis alone as probable cause for a search or arrest, except when investigating impaired driving. This change helps protect people from unnecessary legal trouble as cannabis laws evolve.
Stay Informed
Marijuana laws in New York continue to evolve. Staying up-to-date on rules helps you enjoy cannabis safely and legally.
Follow our blog for the latest updates, tips, and guides on cannabis in New York City.