New York is a very 420-friendly state, with both medical and recreational use 100% legal now. However, that doesn’t mean you can party without limits. As annoying as it can be, there are still limits on how much you can buy. Find out what the cannabis purchasing limits are in New York so you can plan out your next veg sesh without worrying about the law.
Your Purchase Limits by Product Type: How Much is Legal?
As mentioned, weed is completely legal within New York. You can buy it at dispensaries across the state, with tons of forms for you to try. Even so, you can only buy so much at once.
Current laws dictate that you can only purchase up to 3 ounces of flower at a time or up to 24 grams of concentrate. The concentrate limit also applies to things like dabs, vape liquid, and edibles. However, if you’re using it for medical reasons and have a prescription, you can purchase up to a 60-day supply at one time if directed to do so by your doctor.
Purchase vs. Possession: Understanding the Distinction
Purchase limits are not the same as possession limits. While you can only purchase the above amounts at one time (which also applies to how much you can carry on your person at one time out in public), you can possess far more than that in your own abode.
You could have up to 5 lbs of cannabis product in your home at one time without running into legal problems, but only if it’s properly labeled and securely stored. If you’ve got a green thumb, you can also grow up to 6 plants at once, with a total household limit of 12. Keep in mind that this only applies to plants grown for personal use; if you’re trying to start a business, that’s a whole other set of laws you’ll have to look into.
Important Considerations for Responsible Cannabis Consumption
Cannabis should be used responsibly to avoid harming yourself or others. This means no driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence. Try to avoid overindulging, especially with products like concentrates or edibles, which can have delayed or more intense effects. Basically, think of it like you would alcohol, and avoid doing anything while high that you wouldn’t want to do while drunk.
Most businesses won’t let you be high while you’re visiting, so it’s best to stay sober until after your bodega run. Anywhere that won’t let you smoke a cigarette in public also prohibits being high on their property. You also want to avoid crossing state lines while you have cannabis on your person or in your vehicle, as this is still illegal even when crossing into another state with legal cannabis. This goes for medical marijuana as well as recreational.
It’s also important to remember that, despite being legal within the state, cannabis is still illegal federally. This means that any federal land is cannabis-free by default, and any cannabis you possess on that land could land you in hot water. It’s also been made illegal to smoke weed (or tobacco) within state parks.
Empowering New Yorkers with Knowledge
New York natives and visitors both deserve to exercise their right to chill, and part of that is understanding the laws surrounding cannabis purchase, possession, and use. Keep these regulations in mind the next time you head out to a dispensary to stock up ahead of your next party or mild weekend on the couch. If you’re looking for more information about laws, cannabis products, and more in the Rochester area, contact us at MJ Dispensary today.
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