Is Weed Legal In New York? New York Marijuana Laws [2023]

Is weed legal in New York? Like other states, the Big Apple has many things it doesn’t allow. One forbidden thing is speaking to others in an elevator. Luckily, marijuana is permitted, and tokers are enjoying this freedom.

The journey toward making cannabis lawful has been a long one. Not just for the Empire State but for the rest of the US. While weed is allowed, you still need to comply with the relevant marijuana laws in New York.

Continue reading to discover more about these rules and how they could affect you.

Long story short: Is weed legal in New York?

As marijuana gradually became lawful in certain parts of the country, many wondered if cannabis was legal in New York.

After much delay and a few setbacks, the Big Apple finally became the 15th state to legalize marijuana. For authorities to regulate weed, tokers need to obey the law. 

Have a look at the following summary of the rules that govern New York’s legal marijuana:

New York marijuana laws in detail

The Empire State legalized marijuana in 2021. This vital step took place seven years after medicinal weed became legal. 

New Yorkers, however, had to wait another year before they could freely purchase this much-loved herb. Policymakers established marijuana laws in New York during this period.

Is medical marijuana legal in New York?

When it comes to healthcare, medical marijuana is legal in New York. In the Big Apple, the legislature already permitted weed for medicinal use in 2014.

The Compassionate Care Act is a bill that regulates the use and possession of cannabis for specific health issues. 

While medical marijuana is legal in New York, only certain individuals can obtain it. Candidates must be diagnosed with one of the following conditions to qualify:

• Cancer

• Neuropathies

• Opioid substitution

• Epilepsy

• Acute pain management

• Parkinson’s disease

• Huntington’s disease

• HIV/AIDS

• Other conditions that your practitioner recommends 

According to NY marijuana laws, after a patient is certified by a qualified health practitioner, they can register with the Medical Cannabis Program. Only those who have a registry ID card can purchase weed. 

New York state medical marijuana laws also indicate that registered users should always have these cards when possessing marijuana. 

Any patient in need of a caregiver can appoint up to five. These assistants should also apply for a medical card. This identification allows them to purchase cannabis on behalf of the infirmed person.

Is recreational marijuana legal in New York?

Recreational weed became legal in New York after many failed attempts. It marked a significant milestone for the Empire State. 

Cannabis lovers must be 21 years and older to possess or consume marijuana. They can carry up to three ounces of pot with them but only 24 g of concentrate. Anyone who exceeds this amount can face misdemeanor or felony charges.

The New York marijuana laws prohibit tokers from sharing their pot with individuals younger than 21. If you decide to give someone from your stash, remember to keep it under the legal possession limit.

Is marijuana legal in New York City?

Marijuana is legal in New York City and has been since 2021. The legalization brought about the decriminalization of weed too. The government automatically deleted the criminal records of those previously convicted of illegal cannabis activities.

Is it legal to smoke weed in New York City? Public consumption isn’t allowed, and this includes inside your motor vehicle. The only exceptions are areas where smoking tobacco is permitted.

Violation of this regulation could result in a fine of up to $25 or community service of up to 20 hours.

Is it possible to buy legal weed in New York?

Cannabis retailers have patiently been waiting to sell their products since weed has become legal in New York. November 2022 marked an important time when the state issued 36 licenses for the sale of marijuana.

It can revoke these permits at any time if retailers sell to persons under the age of 21 years. Transgressors could also receive a fine of up to $250. 

The law regards this infringement as a misdemeanor or a felony. These charges depend on the amount of marijuana or concentrate sold.

According to the regulations that govern legal weed in New York, the charges could include jail time. Prison sentences could range from one to seven years with an accompanying fine.

Sales made to a minor are treated more harshly, with certain exceptions.

Can you grow your own weed according to New York marijuana laws?

If you’re wondering if you can grow legal marijuana in New York, the answer is yes. Only adults 21 years and older can plant cannabis seeds and cultivate their own crops.

Cultivators can raise six plants at their residence, of which three should be mature and three immature. The maximum number of shrubs per household is twelve. Six of these need to be mature, and the other six immature. 

Cannabis seeds in New York are easily obtainable. You can now purchase them at a marijuana retailer. The regulations for New York state regarding legal weed further stipulate that all cannabis grow areas should be in a secure place. 

The sole purpose of these gardens is for personal consumption. In addition, owners must prevent anyone younger than 21 years from accessing them. 

Marijuana laws in New York regarding consumption

In New York, legal weed consumption is allowed. However, you can only smoke marijuana in public areas where tobacco is permitted.

While marijuana is legal in New York state, landlords and property owners can forbid tenants from consuming weed on their properties. The same applies to hotel owners, who have the right to ban cannabis consumption on the premises.

A driver or passenger of a motor vehicle is also not allowed to consume weed while driving or when parked. 

Key takeaways about New York and legal weed

Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” This saying is valid for all New York tokers. Waiting for marijuana to be legal in New York has been tiresome. Residents can now enjoy the benefits of their endurance.

Medical and recreational marijuana is legal in New York. The Empire State joins many other states where weed is legal and celebrates the freedom of their favorite herb.

At Homegrown Cannabis Co., you can find all the information needed to cultivate your own weed. Our online shop has a wide range of premium cannabis seeds and recommendations on the best strains to grow in New York. Head on over and make the best choice today.