New York State Cannabis Laws
Understanding your rights and responsibilities
Legal Adult Use
Age Requirement: You must be 21 years or older to purchase, possess, or consume adult-use cannabis in New York State.
Purchase Limits: Adults 21+ may purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis products per transaction from licensed dispensaries.
Possession Limits: Adults may possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis for personal use outside of their home. At home, adults may possess up to 5 pounds of cannabis.
Home Cultivation: Adults may grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature cannabis plants for personal use, with a maximum of 6 mature and 6 immature plants per household.
Where You Can Consume
Permitted Locations
- Private residences (with property owner permission)
- Anywhere tobacco smoking is currently allowed under the NY Clean Indoor Air Act
- Licensed on-site consumption locations (when available)
Prohibited Locations
- Schools and school grounds
- Workplaces (unless employer permits)
- Inside motor vehicles
- Public indoor spaces where smoking is prohibited
- Within 100 feet of a school
Note: Private property owners, landlords, and employers may establish their own cannabis policies and restrictions.
Important Prohibitions
Driving Under the Influence: It is illegal to drive while impaired by cannabis. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
Providing to Minors: It is illegal to provide cannabis to anyone under 21 years of age. Severe penalties apply.
Unlicensed Sales: Selling cannabis without a state license is illegal and subject to criminal penalties.
Public Consumption Violations: Consuming cannabis in prohibited public spaces may result in fines.
Transporting Out of State: It is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines, even to states where it is legal.
Employment & Housing
Employment Rights: Employers generally cannot discriminate against employees for legal cannabis use outside of work hours. However, employers may maintain drug-free workplace policies and restrict use during work hours.
Housing Rights: Landlords cannot prohibit tenants from consuming cannabis in permitted forms within their residence, but they may restrict smoking and require use of smokeless consumption methods.
Medical Cannabis Program
New York also operates a separate Medical Cannabis Program for patients with qualifying conditions. Medical cannabis patients have additional protections and access to higher potency products. For more information about the medical program, visit the NYS Office of Cannabis Management website.
Additional Resources
NYS Office of Cannabis Management
Website: cannabis.ny.gov
Email: info@ocm.ny.gov
This page provides general information about New York cannabis laws and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations are subject to change. For specific legal questions, consult with a qualified attorney.