In July of 2014, the New York State legislature signed the Compassionate Care Act, allowing medical cannabis to be manufactured, sold, and consumed by qualifying patients in the state. In March of 2021, the Empire State legalized adult-use, or recreational, marijuana through the passing of the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA). The MRTA also took the state’s medical marijuana program under its wing, ensuring the programs were unified across the state. But there are still a lot of questions about the programs. In this guide, we’re going to provide answers to questions such as:

• Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in New York?
• What Are the Cannabis Purchase & Possession Limits in New York?
• Where Can I Legally Purchase Cannabis Products in New York?
• FAQs About Marijuana in New York

Yes, recreational marijuana (and medical marijuana) is legal in New York. Thanks to the passing of the MRTA, cannabis enthusiasts across the state should be able to get their hands on their favorite strains. The reality, however, has been a little rocky for both shop owners and consumers.

For shop owners, it’s been challenging to get the licenses they’ve been promised. Because of this, many illegal operations have popped up in existing stores or on streetsides, leading to an unregulated market and even worse, often consumers don’t even realize they’re purchasing their marijuana illegally. Because of this, it’s recommended that you look for a sticker at the front of a dispensary for the dispensary verification tool. On it, there is a QR code that can be used to verify you’re shopping at an official Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) shop.

With a relatively new marijuana program, the rules of cannabis purchase and possession have fluctuated. Currently, adults who are 21 or older can possess: 

• 3 ounces of flower for recreational use
  
  
• 24 grams of cannabis concentrates for recreational use
  
  

For patients who are interested in purchasing medical cannabis, you are allowed to have a 60-day supply of approved cannabis products. This includes vape cartridges, capsules, tinctures, lozenges, whole-flower cannabis, transdermal patches, and more. 

Both qualifying adults and medical marijuana patients can cultivate, harvest, and dry up to three mature and three immature plants at a time. That said, if you live in an apartment or public housing, you should always check with your building manager before trying to grow your own bud.

To purchase cannabis legally, you’re going to want to either check the OCM’s list of approved dispensaries, or you’re going to look for the dispensary verification tool. This is a blue and white sticker that dispensaries will place on the front of their building. Using your phone, you can scan the QR code on the sticker to see that the OCM approves the dispensary. 

Cannabis in New York can feel a little complicated, so here are a few things to know before you head out to make a purchase:

Do I need a medical card to buy marijuana in New York?
You don’t need a medical marijuana card , but you do need to be certified. In New York, you must have a qualifying condition and be certified by your healthcare provider. While you don’t have to register, you do have to print your certification (or have it available on your phone) and bring it with you when you go to a medical marijuana dispensary—along with your ID.

Are edibles legal in New York?
Yes, you can purchase edibles in New York from a licensed and registered dispensary.

Are dispensaries legal in New York City?
Yes, but you should always check with the OCM to confirm the dispensary you’re visiting is legal. There are many illegal shops in the city.

While New York has had a little bit of trouble getting their recreational marijuana program off the ground, they are actively working on it. You can help by ensuring you only visit licensed and registered dispensaries and follow all of the New York marijuana laws regarding marijuana purchases.