It ain’t easy being a cannabis lover in New York City.

Over the last decade, the state of New York has taken strives to be more accepting of weed smokers. But it still has a long way to go.

Weed is fully decriminalized in New York City, but it’s still only medically legal. On top of that, even legal users aren’t able to buy smokable bud from dispensaries!

If you’re a stoner struggling to figure out where to get weed in NYC, legally, keep reading for some helpful tips.

How Do I Buy Weed Legally in NYC?

If you’re looking to get your hands on some legal weed in NYC from the get-go, you’re out of luck. Unfortunately, getting legal weed in NYC is a bit of a process.

Since weed is not legal recreationally in NYC, you can’t just walk into a dispensary and start making purchases. You need to get a medical marijuana card to do that.

To get a medical marijuana card, you need to have an ailment that New York has defined as eligible for medical marijuana use. These include having HIV or AIDS, cancer, Parkinson’s, PTSD, and chronic pain among other conditions. You’ll need to visit a medical practitioner who is registered to certify patients for medical weed to get a card.

Even with a medical marijuana card, your options are limited.

New York dispensaries are not allowed to sell smokable marijuana products. That means no bud, no dabs, and no hash. They also don’t sell edibles or topicals.

Instead, dispensaries across New York sell tincture, THC pills, and pre-filled vaporizers.

They’re authorized to sell a lot of different forms of CBD products, including mints, gummies, sprays, and pills. If you’re the kind of person who loves to smoke a joint, though, you may not be satisfied with what these stores offer.

Since dispensaries are the only legal way to buy weed in NYC, that means there are no good ways to get legal bud in the city. By obtaining a medical card you can get ahold of legal weed, just not in smokable form.

Thankfully, there are some great dispensaries in NYC for those with medical cards. There are worse things in the world than being relegated to vape pens and THC breath spray. You may even find you love getting high this way!

Where to Get Weed in NYC

Once you’ve got your medical card, you’re ready to enter the world of medicinal marijuana.

There are a lot of dispensaries in NYC where you can get weed-related products. Some even offer great deals for first-timers.

Etain Health is one of the best choices. They’ve got capsules, tincture, oral spray, and refillable vaporizers. They’ve even got water-soluble cannabis powder, which turns any glass of water into a THC-heavy drink.

Etain has a knowledgable staff and a good mixture of high-CBD and high-THC products that’ll suit everyone’s needs. Etain is located right in Manhattan, just a small walk from Grand Central.

Curaleaf Queens is another great choice. They’ve got their own brand of vape cartridges, CBD products, and delicious mint-flavored micro-tablets measured at 20:1 THC to CBD. They also sell CBD body lotion, tincture drops, and ground flower pods, which you inhale to feel the effects.

The storefront is modern, the staff is helpful, and the location is convenient. If you’re a medical user in New York, give Curaleaf a try.

Columbia Care is a trusted company across the U.S. They’ve got tons of locations across the states, with four of them being in New York. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Rochester, or Riverhead, Columbia Care has you covered.

If you’re a new medical patient, Columbia Care offers you 20% off your purchase. They’ve got all the usual, including tincture, oral spray, tablets, and dissolvable powder. They’ve even got CBD mints, chews, and gummies.

These are just some of the best dispensaries in NYC. No matter where you go, you’re looking at similar products. It’s the staff, the atmosphere, and the quality of the product that sets these spots apart from the competition.

Other great options include The Botanist, MedMen NYC on Fifth Avenue, and FP Wellness in Manhattan.

What About Mail-Order and Delivery Weed?

Some companies offer services that deliver weed straight to your door. You can get it through the mail, from bike couriers. These methods, however, are still not legal in New York City and cannot be recommended in any way.

Because weed has been decriminalized in New York, you’re allowed to carry certain amounts. You probably won’t even be arrested for smoking weed in the park unless you have prior convictions, or aren’t carrying an ID. But purchasing weed from sources that aren’t government-approved is still a big no-no, and can get you in serious trouble with the law.

If you’re caught buying marijuana from one of these illegal sources, you face fines and jail time. The only legal way to obtain cannabis is through dispensaries. Their choices may be limited, but it’s better than ending up with a fine or being arrested.

It’s also a bad idea and illegal to travel to a legal state to buy bud and cross back into New York. While many people choose to do this, you still have to follow the laws of decriminalization.

In New York, It Ain’t Easy Getting Green

If you’re a weed lover wondering where to get weed in NYC, you might find it harder than you’d think.

If you happen to meet the requirements to get a medical marijuana card, by all means, go for it. That way you can at least purchase legal vape cartridges, tincture, and other products that will give you the effects you’re looking for.

Until New York legalizes recreational marijuana, these limited dispensaries are your only option.

For more on cannabis and legalization, visit the rest of our blog. Contact us with any comments, questions, or concerns. We’d be happy to help!