Your Guide to All 25 Weed Dispensaries in NYC

Recreational cannabis was legalized in New York in 2021, allowing New Yorkers to light up legally and at their own discretion. In the three years since, NYC has become the home to a crew of licensed and hyper-aesthetic shops to pick up cannabis products (as well as celeb-hosted cannabis expos and weed delivery services)

But with legal cannabis being so new, you might still have a lot of questions. So, in addition to answering the where, when, and how of cannabis use across the boroughs, we’re outlining all 25 legal dispensaries in New York City.

It sure is! Recreational cannabis is legal across New York State for adults 21 and older.

In March 2021, New York State became the 15th state to legalize the use of recreational cannabis. With the passing of this legislation, also came an impassioned and hard-fought program to reinvest millions of dollars from cannabis tax revenues back into the local communities that have been systemically and unjustly devastated by the war on drugs.

You do not need a medical card to buy weed at recreational dispensaries in New York City.

No, the days of surprise cannabis drug tests are in the past. With a few exceptions, New York State has prohibited employers from testing current and potential employees for cannabis use, plus any discriminatory action against workers who use cannabis outside of the workplace and work hours.

Yes! All of the individuals or organizations who operate city dispensaries were selected specifically for their charitable missions and/or to promote entrepreneurship opportunities to those who have been unjustly affected by cannabis-related arrests or imprisonment. Read on for a rundown of NYC’s recently opened legal dispensaries that are serving the flower, vapes, tinctures, edibles, and so much more.

Upper East Side
Manhattan’s first Black woman-owned dispensary resides on the Upper East Side. Owned by married couple Nicole and Christopher Lucien, Bliss + Lex is Manhattan’s 15th dispensary and hopes to destigmatize cannabis use across NYC. The Luciens collaborated on their new venture with the Housing Works CAURD Community Initiative, which creates opportunities and equity for local cannabis entrepreneurs. Bliss + Lex’s mission is to become further involved in and profit share with local efforts like public education funding and domestic violence prevention.

Lower East Side
Inspired by a shared dream to normalize cannabis use and destigmatize formerly incarcerated communities in NYC, the knowledgeable budtenders of CONBUD are all individuals who have been affected by previously unjust cannabis laws. At the Black- and Latino-owned storefront on the Lower East Side, there’s an approachable selection of cannabis goods for sale like pills that encourage extroverted happiness and a pain-relieving, nighttime tincture.

Union Square
First started in Massachusetts, Dazed brought its hot pink walls and disco ball-dotted ceiling to NYC. Founders Keshawn Warner, Rich Rainone, and Chris Vianello envision their business as a bridge between cannabis culture and local communities. In addition to cannabis goods, keep an eye out for in-store events like meet-and-greets with celebrities.

SoHo
Channeling the aesthetic of a moody 20th century apothecary, Dagmar is SoHo’s luxe dispensary. Alongside statues and illuminated cabinets, the woman-owned business stuns guests with its high-end array of cannabis and accessories, like a 22-karat gold-inlaid bong and French marble ashtrays.

Upper West Side
Longtime Queens resident Angelo Kitkas is behind the Upper West Side’s first dispensary. Staffed by local Upper West Siders, Flower Power customers can expect a bright, white interior filled with ordering tablets and displays on the walls. If you don’t know where to start, try one of the starter packs like the Sleep Sampler, which comes with a vape, tincture, and edibles.

Bowery
Founded by entrepreneur Joanne Wilson, Gotham’s mission is to provide a bespoke experience for shoppers on the hunt for luxury cannabis products. At its stunning flagship store that features a verdant tree as a focal point, Gotham teams up with STRIVE—a non-profit that provides career resources and guidance for those impacted by the justice system. Proceeds from the store go to the organization to help create economic opportunities and empowerment for the local community. In addition to cannabis, stylish lifestyle goods line the shelves of the store like glass blown lighters, ceramic bongs, and standing ashtrays.

Upper East Side
The Herbal Care differentiates itself from its competitors by operating as both an art gallery and a dispensary. While surrounded by a rotating selection of vibrant pop art by local artists, customers can explore wares such as sleep-support edibles, kief-infused joints, and apple fritter-flavored vapes.

Greenwich Village
Run by the Housing Works non-profit—which has supported unhoused and AIDS-affected communities since 1990—the Housing Works Cannabis Co. was the first legal recreational weed store in New York City. At the East Village shop, visitors can peruse a selection of flower, prerolls, vapes, tinctures, edibles, and more from LGBTQIA+-, BIPOC-, and women-led brands. For seasoned users with higher tolerances, the current featured product is a pack of potent pre-rolls with resin cores.

Upper East Side
Co-owners Wei Hu, Dominick Cuffaro, and Michael Graubard first became friends when Hu would regularly visit Cuffaro and Graubard’s now-closed slice shop in FiDi, Big Al’s Pizza. The relationship blossomed into a joint venture: Lenox Hill Cannabis Co. The shop has kept community building at the core of its mission by running an on-site cannabis cafe (with free coffee and donuts), karaoke events, and even rolling contests.

Upper East Side
For Lenox Hill locals, Liberty Buds is the go-to dispensary. Located near the Manhattan side of the Queensboro Bridge, the dispensary sells a substantial selection of THC-infused seltzers, tea, and coffee. For those looking to smoke not sip, there’s also kief-infused joints and eighths of flower. Read the Liberty Buds blog for tips on choosing edibles and more.

East Village
Owner and CEO Roland Connor, who has a previous conviction for a cannabis-related offense, operates New York State’s first Black-owned recreational weed store alongside his wife, son, and knowledgeable team. Shoppers can either browse products from women- and BIPOC-run brands in-store or place orders online for pickup. Smacked Village is also currently running a special that gives customers $20 off any 14 grams of flower purchases.

Kips Bay
Located near the 28th Street 6 station, Smiley Exotics serves the Kips Bay area with locally-produced cannabis goods like lemon-flavored gummies, low-dose tinctures, and pain-relieving balms. Customer service and good vibes are of the utmost importance here, with a slogan to prove it: Come Show Us Your Smile.

Union Square
A futuristic airport aesthetic beckons customers in off the busy neighborhood streets at Union Square Travel Agency. Here, more than half of all profits go directly to funding the Doe Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to break cycles of homelessness and poverty through job training, housing, and paid employment. In addition to the products available in store and online, customers can sign up for The Travel Club for exclusive access to merch drops, member-only events, and limited-edition bundle offers.

Chelsea
Named after verdigris, a green film that forms on top of copper and brass (peep the Statue of Liberty), the Verdi is, naturally, green themed. The father-and-son duo, Mitchell and Ellis Soodak, behind Verdi opened the shop in the hopes of creating a welcoming, verdant atmosphere for cannabis users of all levels. Tell one of the on-site budtenders your desired vibe—creative, focused, calm, or sleepy—then explore a range of trendy goods. Sign up for the club member program for promotions, event invites, and tailored merchandise.

Flatbush
Founders Robert Dorsey and Angeline Cornelia are on a mission to help Brooklynites find relaxation and pain relief by selling an extensive selection of rare strains and helping individuals (like Dorsey) who have been incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses through job opportunities and community support. From cannabis-infused nitro coffees to fast-acting herbal aphrodisiacs, BK Exotic is a veritable treasure trove.

Gravesend
The title for Brooklyn’s first legal weed shop went to Grow Together when it opened its doors in 2023. The Black-owned business is run by Christopher Ledlum and Steven Sapoznik, who was previously convicted for a marijuana-related offense. Under an expanse of hanging greenery, the store has everything from high-potency moon rocks to sour watermelon-flavored gummies.

Park Slope
Perfectly situated for a shopping spree followed by a stroll around Prospect Park or Green-Wood Cemetery is Brooklyn’s first Black woman-owned dispensary, Matawana. A mother and public health educator, owner Leeann Mata was inspired to work in cannabis by her parents, who were passionate about marijuana advocacy. Avid fans of Matawana can purchase playful merch like slip-on shoes, dresses, and bomber jackets alongside cannabis goods.

Downtown Brooklyn
Following in the footsteps of its Manhattan predecessor, more than half of all profits from The Travel Agency’s Brooklyn locale fund the Doe Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to break cycles of homelessness and poverty through job training, housing, and paid employment. The brick-covered interior showcases a collection of colorful edibles, weed strains, and artistic accessories. Staff favorites include blueberry flavored-indica gummies and sour citrus-tasting pre rolls.

Jamaica
After a short stint as a pop-up in Brooklyn last year, Good Grades has returned to its original brick-and-mortar location in Queens. The first woman-owned recreational dispensary in New York State, Good Grades is helmed by cousins Extasy and Michael James. The shop’s mission, aside from selling high-quality products, is to provide an inclusive atmosphere, spread positive cannabis education, and inspire their community.

Astoria
NYC-born-and-raised entrepreneurs, Alessandro Cottone and Jeremy Rivera, are the brains behind the newest dispensary in Queens, Terp Bros. Armed with a mission to end the stigma surrounding cannabis and create an inclusive community within the store, the Astoria spot offers guidance for users looking for recreational fun, as well as therapeutic use. Popular pain relievers include a lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary balm, as well as a menthol and arnica balm.

Long Island City
Brothers Rodney and Brandon Carter named their dispensary after their shared nickname, The Trends Twins. The family-owned business not only sells high-quality cannabis, but also aims to educate the community on the benefits of marijuana through workshops, panels, and podcasts. Bestsellers include THC-infused canned lemonade and a high-potency, hybrid joint dubbed Randy Marsh. Keep track of trending cannabis news and events through the website and newsletter.

Longwood
At Bronx Joint, customers are encouraged to shop for cannabis based on mood. From happy and energetic to relaxed and sleepy, any and all dispositions can be achieved with assistance from staff. Seasoned cannabis users can also explore the store’s wares based on the type of strain they prefer. For weekly discounts, check the specials page on the website.

Crotona
Statis Cannabis wants to bring the highest quality and most luxurious cannabis goods to the people of The Bronx. The minority- and woman-owned business offers a selection of flower, edibles, concentrates, and more. Current staff picks include a Girl Scout cookie-inspired flower and a sweet vanilla-flavored vape that produces a euphoric high.

Wakefield
Paying homage to their Jamaican roots through the Rastafarian-themed store signage, brothers Howell and Chris Miller recently opened Two Buds dispensary in The Bronx. Patrons can explore a variety of cannabis goods like kief-dusted pre rolls and cereal milk vape pens. Stay tuned as the Miller brothers are in the process of releasing their own Two Buds app soon.

Charleston
For owners Shlomo Weinstock and Mohammed Elgaly, The Flowery isn’t just about serving high-quality cannabis to Staten Island, it’s about bringing together the local community. Unlike dispensaries in other boroughs, The Flowery’s suburban locale features a parking lot with (gasp!) 15 parking spaces, so customers can easily drop in and out. Leisurely peruse everything from sativa carts to indica joints.

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.