New York Dispensaries

10 Frequently Asked Questions About New York Dispensaries

1. Do New York dispensaries take credit or debit cards?

No, the dispensaries in New York are not set up to accept payments through popular banking services like debit or credit cards. Almost all locations require you to bring cash, although many have ATMs in the store. Delivery services may accept other forms of payment, such as cryptocurrency.

2. How old do you have to be to go to a dispensary in New York?

To purchase recreational New York cannabis, you need to be 21 or older.
You’ll need a current state ID or driver’s license showing your age as well. Other forms of ID can’t be accepted as proof of your age at New York dispensaries. Patients using medical marijuana must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult caregiver to visit medical-only dispensaries in the state.

3. Are dispensaries legal in NY yet?

Yes, marijuana dispensaries are legal in NY and have been since 2021. There are now many dispensaries across the state that are licensed to sell medical and recreational cannabis.

4. Why did New York take so long to get dispensaries?

The law allowing for recreational marijuana use was passed in 2021, but the first recreational dispensaries in the state didn’t receive approval until late 2023. This was largely due to licensing issues occurring in New York City and local initiatives to limit or block the sale of cannabis in certain counties. Dispensaries are now beginning to open in greater numbers as licenses are finally approved across the state.

5. Can you ship weed to a New York address?

It’s fine to get marijuana products delivered from a local dispensary or service that is licensed by the state. The bill for New York’s legalization of marijuana doesn’t allow for the sale of marijuana grown out of the state, so you can’t order products from California or other states and receive them in the mail.

6. How much weed can you buy at once from a New York dispensary?

Whether you head to the store or order a New York delivery for cannabis, you can only have three ounces of cannabis in your possession at one time. You can have up to 24 grams of concentrated product in addition to that. Dispensaries and delivery services will limit you to buying this much at once since that’s the legal limit.

7. Do you need a license or card to buy recreational marijuana in New York?

Don’t get confused with the medical license for buying marijuana for health reasons in New York. If you’re buying for personal use, you don’t need anything but proof that you’re over 21. Many people continued using medical dispensaries while waiting for recreational sources, which has led to the confusion that cards are required for them as well.

8. Can you buy marijuana from New York dispensaries if you’re not a state resident?

Many states allow visitors to buy recreational marijuana as a form of
tourism. New York is one of those states, allowing anyone with a state-issued ID proving they’re over 21 to purchase cannabis.

9. How do I know if the New York dispensary I choose is licensed?

You can check licensing information on the New York State Office of Cannabis Management website. They maintain a list of all licensed locations and links to their websites.

10. Are more dispensaries coming to New York soon?

With various limitations on licensing for new dispensaries being lifted, the state will likely gain many new dispensary locations over the next few years. Keep checking back here to see what’s coming to your neighborhood