It's never been a better time for 420-friendly folks to plan a trip to New York City. Adult-use cannabis has been legal in New York since March 2021, and after a chaotic early rollout, the city's recreational market has finally found its footing.
Dispensaries are now open across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond, with more launching each month, reshaping the face of cannabis in NYC. It's no longer just a subculture. Cannabis is woven into everything: food, nightlife, fashion, wellness, music, and art.
Plus, New York's social equity program, which prioritizes giving licenses to justice-involved individuals, women, and members of communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition, has led to a wave of dispensary owners with real ties to NYC culture and legacy cannabis.
To help elevate your next visit, Weedmaps compiled a tourist's guide to weed in New York.
Learn about the current laws, discover places where you can purchase weed and where you can safely consume it, and see what you should do once you're stoned in the city.
Keep in mind that the market is still evolving, so this guide will be updated as changes become official.
New York cannabis laws
Thanks to the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), adults 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries in New York and possess up to 3 ounces of flower and 24 grams of concentrate for personal use.
You don't need to be a resident — visitors and tourists are welcome — and a government-issued ID is all you need to enter a licensed dispensary. No medical card, no extra steps.
Medical cannabis patients still have access to stronger products and tax exemptions, but for most people, the adult-use market is the go-to.
Where can you smoke in NYC?
It's no accident that New York streets smell dank.
New Yorkers are allowed to consume cannabis anywhere tobacco is legal. That means sidewalks, rooftops, private patios, and front stoops are fair game.
Public parks, restaurants, subway platforms, and cars? Not so much. You also can't smoke near schools, hospitals, or playgrounds.
Hotels are hit or miss. Most don't allow smoking of any kind, and few have bud-friendly policies on the books. Airbnbs are totally up to the host, so always ask before lighting up. Some travelers opt for BYOC-friendly stays or stick to outdoor sesh spots.
What about weed delivery?
Delivery is legal in NYC for both adult-use and medical patients. Licensed dispensaries can deliver directly to your home, hotel, or Airbnb — you'll just need to show your ID at the door.
Third-party delivery services are not permitted, but dedicated delivery licenses are expected to roll out soon.
Does New York have cannabis consumption lounges?
While New York has approved cannabis consumption lounges, the official rollout is still pending as of mid-2025. That hasn't stopped a few underground or “members-only” venues from popping up around the city, especially in Brooklyn and the Lower East Side.
How much does weed cost in New York?
It depends. Recreational cannabis purchases are taxed at 13% total (9% state excise tax and 4% local tax). There's also a THC-based potency tax baked into the product's sale price, which means you could spend between $45 and $75 for an eighth of flower at most dispensaries, but the price could be more or less.
Medical cannabis is not taxed.
Where to find legal dispensaries in NYC
Dispensary density in New York City is high, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn, where you'll sometimes find two shops within a few blocks of each other. Most accept cash and debit cards, and some accept credit cards.
To help you navigate the landscape, here's a quick breakdown by neighborhood:
Manhattan
- SoHo: The Flowery (481 Broadway) offers premium cannabis alongside a calm, curated vibe. The space is filled with plants and minimalist design touches, making it feel like a boutique rather than a traditional shop.
- Midtown/Hell's Kitchen: Torches NYC (12 E 42nd St., Midtown East), located steps from Bryant Park and Grand Central, occupies a historic former cigar shop renovated into a sleek, mood-forward space. Though small, the layout is refined and efficient, with live music events hosted in a cozy performance nook up front. Customers rave about fast service, fair pricing, and knowledgeable staff who treat you like a friend, not a transaction.
Brooklyn
- Downtown Brooklyn: Happy Munkey (453 Fulton St.) is rooted in NYC's legacy scene. The Brooklyn shop has a real neighborhood feel, everyone's welcoming, the vibe is easy, and you can actually talk weed with people who know their stuff. They're also behind a podcast and a few other creative side projects, so it's a good spot if you like a dispensary with some personality.
Queens
- Downtown Queens: NYC Bud (4445 Vernon Blvd.) brings subway vibes and local flavor. With graffiti walls and a pickup window dubbed the "Budway," it's become a favorite for both tourists and locals. The team knows their stuff, the flower is fresh, and they throw the occasional DJ set or pop-up event.
- Astoria: Terp Bros (36-10 Ditmars Blvd.) is one of the first legal shops in Queens. It has strong community ties and a true New York energy. The name says it all: this place is for flavor lovers. Expect a solid local flower lineup and a chill, no-nonsense staff that won't rush you.
Hemp and CBD shops
Looking for non-psychoactive options? Hemp and CBD boutiques are still around in NYC.
Here are some spots that are worth a visit:
- The Alchemist's Kitchen in SoHo
- Hemped NYC in the West Village
- Natural Releaf on the Upper East Side
These shops specialize in herbal wellness, adaptogens, and cannabinoid-rich products without the THC buzz.
Where to consume cannabis in NYC
Now that you know where to grip the good stuff, let's talk about where you can enjoy it.
First things first: anyone offering “cannabis tours” in NYC should raise an eyebrow. The city's legal market is still evolving, and most of these so-called tours will take you to unlicensed spots that may or may not be operating above board. We don't recommend signing up for any 420 tours just yet.
That said, NYC has its own style when it comes to consumption. Legal on-site lounges are still pending full rollout, but some venues are pushing boundaries — some in compliance, others in the gray. Here are a few of the most notable spots where people go to light up.
(Keep in mind, these spots aren't licensed for consumption, so visit at your own risk.)
Stoned Pizza
Infused dinner meets underground party. Chris Barrett, aka the Pizza Pusha, runs the most public-facing cannabis-friendly dining spot in NYC. The experience includes a multi-course THC-infused meal, unlimited “cannabis cocktails,” music, and a bring-your-own-cannabis (BYOC) policy that keeps the smoke flowing. While not a licensed consumption lounge (yet), it's one of the city's only searchable and consistent weed-and-food experiences. Reservations required. Vibes guaranteed.
Jue Lan NYC
This upscale Asian restaurant in Manhattan blends elegant design with a relaxed energy that draws a loyal late-night crowd. With moody lighting, top-tier cocktails, and a vibe that leans grown and elevated, Jue Lan has quietly become a favorite among certain circles. If you're the type to pair fine dining with a certain kind of mood, you'll feel right at home.
Sei Less
Tucked just off the main Midtown buzz, Sei Less delivers modern Asian dishes in a dimly lit, ultra-vibe-forward space that feels like a secret. The music is always right, the energy is dialed in, and the crowd? You'll spot more than a few familiar faces who know how to keep things low and lifted.
Culture House/Cookies NYC
Located in the same space as Cookies' NYC flagship, Culture House hosts private events, community art shows, panels, and sessions. While not an open walk-in lounge, this spot represents the cultural side of cannabis in New York, where weed meets music, design, and legacy voices. Follow their social channels for upcoming programming and invite-only gatherings.
Astor Club
Astor Club is one of the city's longest-running private cannabis clubs. Unlicensed but known throughout the industry, it operates as a members-only space with an invite list that includes legacy operators, rappers, and top-tier hashmakers. The venue is located in the Lower East Side and occasionally hosts events, tastings, and pop-ups. Access requires a membership and some networking, but if you know someone who knows someone, it's worth the visit.
Things to do while stoned in NYC
While most things in New York are arguably better with a bit of weed in your system, certain experiences hit especially different. Below is a list of low-key institutions, heady hideouts, and sensory-stacked adventures that we highly recommend enjoying while elevated. No need to blow your budget either. Most of these spots are affordable, vibe-heavy, and naturally enhanced by a solid pre-roll.
Dream House
A permanent sound and light installation created by avant-garde composers La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela, this tucked-away SoHo gem is pure meditative bliss. The carpeted room hums with vibrating tones that shift depending on where you stand, and pink-hued lights wrap the space in a quiet psychedelic glow. It's open until midnight and ideal for riding out a smooth, introspective high.
Wall Street Bath & Spa 88
Yes, the schvitz is still alive and thriving. Located in the Financial District, this classic Russian bathhouse has steam rooms, cold plunges, saunas, and an Olympic-sized pool. The restaurant serves pierogis, vodka, and beer (some reportedly infused), and the back smoking room tends to operate with zero questions asked. Bring cash. Bring water. Don't bring pretense.
Nowadays
Located on the Ridgewood and Bushwick border, this is one of NYC's most beloved dance clubs and a great spot to let your buzz stretch its legs. There's an indoor venue with deep house sound systems and a sprawling backyard filled with hammocks, picnic tables, and food trucks. The parties regularly roll until 4 AM, sometimes longer. Whether you're a dancefloor lifer or a vibe snacker, Nowadays has something for everyone.
The Gutter
This Williamsburg bowling alley is an ideal mix of low effort and high pleasure. Old-school lanes, greasy bar snacks, decent beer, and plenty of places to chill between rounds. There's also a Lower East Side location if you're staying downtown and want to keep the sesh going after dark.
Botanical gardens
NYC has two: the Brooklyn Botanic Garden near Prospect Park and the New York Botanical Garden up in the Bronx. Both are perfect for wandering while stoned, with winding paths, rare plants, peaceful greenhouses, and seasonal exhibits that hit extra hard under the influence. A must if you're into flower-on-flower appreciation.
American Museum of Natural History
Smoke one and go face-to-face with a massive blue whale. This Upper West Side institution is full of dinosaurs, dioramas, meteorites, and mind-expanding exhibits that feel tailor-made for altered states. Bonus points if you get lost in the Hall of Gems.
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the few touristy things that actually lives up to the hype. Light up beforehand (off the bridge, please), then walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn at sunset. The views, the water, and the rhythm of the city beneath your feet make it pure stoner poetry.
Harbor NYC
Looking for a night out that blends upscale energy with just the right crowd? Harbor is one of NYC's standout nightlife spots, owned by the team behind Dank by Definition, the top-selling cannabis brand in the state.
Girls Love Karaoke
Looking to dance, scream, sing, and maybe see a celebrity belting out your favorite ballad? This weekly party combines bold karaoke moments, live DJs, and a packed crowd that knows how to have fun. Even Rihanna has shown up and stolen the mic. Check their socials for the next date and location, and maybe pregame with something uplifting if you plan to do the same.
Pebble Beach
One of the more relaxed beach options without leaving the city. It's mellow, sandy, and far less packed than Rockaway. Perfect for a low-stakes sesh by the water with friends, music, and snacks. Bring a blanket, roll something smooth, and post up.
FAQ
Can I bring weed on the subway or other public transit?
Yes, you can carry it, but you don't light it up. Consumption on public transportation, including buses and trains, is illegal. It's also best to be discreet when carrying cannabis in shared spaces.
Can I travel with weed from NYC to another state or country?
No. Even if cannabis is legal at your destination, crossing state or international borders with cannabis is a federal offense. That includes flying with it, even from a legal state.
Does NYC have weed-infused restaurants?
Sort of. Infused food is in a legal gray area, so most events are private or invitation-only. The most public and reliable option is Pizza Pusha Lounge, which offers multi-course infused meals in a party setting.
Do NYC dispensaries sell edibles and drinks?
Yes. Most licensed dispensaries offer a range of THC-infused gummies, chocolates, beverages, tinctures, and more. Potency is capped per state regulations, but there's a lot of variety to choose from.
Do I need cash to buy weed in NYC?
Not necessarily. Most dispensaries accept cash and debit, and more are beginning to accept credit cards. ATMs are usually available on-site just in case.
