What to Expect at a Dispensary Now That Cannabis is Legal in NYC

From an impressive selection of products to a welcoming, education-focused atmosphere, recreational dispensaries in NYC offer a safe place where you can explore how cannabis can be a part of your life. This concise guide is designed to help you navigate a recreational dispensary in NYC — what to expect, what they offer, and what to look for as you shop at a bona fide, licensed dispensary.

What does it mean to shop at a licensed dispensary?

From quality assurance to trained budtenders, shopping at licensed dispensaries ensures a regulated and safe environment to explore and purchase your favorite products. Here are four reasons why licensed dispensaries are the preferred choice among cannabis enthusiasts:

The products are tested

Buying from licensed, legal dispensaries ensures that products have been tested at state-approved labs and adhere to strict guidelines regarding labeling and other rules. All cannabis products at Union Square Travel Agency products are clearly labeled so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Dispensaries are safe

By law, licensed dispensaries like Union Square Travel Agency must have security features in place. Panic buttons, security cameras, and security personnel at the door are among the precautions taken in a licensed dispensary.

The products are authentic

Licensed shops work with authorized suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that all products are genuine and of high quality. By purchasing from licensed dispensaries, you can have full confidence in the authenticity of the products you’re buying. Whether it’s cannabis flower, THC edibles, concentrates, or other infused products like tinctures, the promise of authenticity provides peace of mind and consistent experiences for all consumers.

Your purchase supports the community

A purchase at a licensed dispensary means your dollars go back to businesses owned and operated by New Yorkers. By shopping at a licensed dispensary, you help thousands of people employed by farms, processing facilities, and brands throughout New York State. You’re backing small businesses in the Empire State and contributing to the growth of a diverse and healthy market. At The Travel Agency, your purchase supports The Doe Fund, an organization that provides paid work, transitional housing, and supportive services to those formerly incarcerated or houseless.

The staff is knowledgeable

Choosing a licensed dispensary will ensure you receive the best help from rigorously trained staff. Licensed spots prioritize customer satisfaction by training their staff to offer sound suggestions. Well-informed budtenders should have a deep understanding of the various cultivars (strains), consumption methods, and dosing recommendations to help you confidently navigate your experience. These budtenders also stay up-to-date on the latest trends and knowledge in cannabis, so you get the most accurate information.

Unlicensed vs. licensed dispensaries: How to tell the difference

There are a few key ways to tell the difference between licensed and unlicensed dispensaries, allowing you to make informed choices and prioritize your well-being while exploring the world of cannabis in NYC. Some key things to look out for include:

You won’t be asked to join a club to shop at a licensed dispensary: Many unlicensed sellers require consumers to become “members” before shopping. Signing up for a program, like our Travel Club email list, is optional at licensed spots.

The products at licensed dispensaries are all labeled appropriately for NY: When shopping at licensed dispensaries, proper labeling of products ensures compliance with New York regulations. If you see information from another state on the package, it’s a knockoff or illegally imported product.

There will be a sticker on the door at all licensed dispensaries: The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) supplies all licensed spots with a sticker to display in the front window. If there’s no sticker from the OCM, the dispensary isn’t licensed.

What’s it like inside a licensed recreational NYC dispensary?

When you come to The Travel Agency, you can expect a warm welcome from our security team at the door. After showing your government-issued, non-expired ID to confirm your age and we scan it to add you into the state-required tracking system, you’ll be welcomed into our lobby before heading into the shop.

At The Travel Agency, we strive to create a positive and educational environment where you can confidently explore and discover products that meet your preferences and needs. Our knowledgeable staff and friendly budtenders are readily available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. You can count on their expertise to guide you through the vast array of cannabis products from numerous New York-founded brands – many of which are women-owned, veteran-owned, and/or justice-minded. Some New York-based brands you can expect to find at The Travel Agency include Jaunty, Ayrloom, and Flamer.

After you’ve made your selections, you can check out with either cash or debit card. Our staff will provide you with a bag for your items to ensure a discreet and hassle-free departure.

How to find a recreational dispensary in NYC

The NYS Office of Cannabis Management maintains a comprehensive and up-to-date database of all licensed dispensaries in New York. This list serves as a reliable source for dispensaries operating within New York’s legal framework and can be used to easily search for authorized locations in the city. Remember, if a dispensary is not listed on the OCM database, it’s not licensed.

FAQs about cannabis in NYC post-legalization

Where can I smoke weed in NYC?

You can legally consume cannabis in these places:

On private property, like your house or a friend’s apartment

In designated smoking areas in public spaces

Sidewalks that are at least 100 feet away from churches, schools, libraries, hospitals, and daycares

Are there legal weed dispensaries in New York?

Yes — and The Travel Agency is proud to be the first cannabis retail brand in the state to build and operate a second location when our Downtown Brooklyn dispensary opened in January 2024.

Can you smoke and drive in New York?

Your car is one place where you cannot consume cannabis, even if the car is parked, you’re not driving it, or you’re a passenger. Wait until you stop driving and get out of the car before consuming.

Can you grow your own weed in New York?

Yes. It’s legal for both medical cannabis patients and adults 21 and older to grow their own cannabis.

Can I go to a dispensary without a card in New York?

Yes. You do not need a medical cannabis card to buy cannabis at The Travel Agency and other retailers, but you do need one to shop at medical dispensaries.

How old do you have to be to go to a dispensary in New York?

All shoppers must be 21 or older.

How much cannabis can I buy at a time in New York?

Purchases are limited to up to three ounces of flower or 24 grams of concentrates, including edibles.

Do dispensaries in New York take credit cards?

The Travel Agency currently accepts Visa. We do not accept Apple Pay, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.

Explore cannabis with confidence and ease at The Travel Agency

When you’re ready to explore the exciting world of recreational dispensaries in New York, make The Travel Agency your top choice for a memorable experience. Our stores proudly showcase a wide variety of products, welcoming staff, and convenient payment options to make exploring the world of recreational cannabis simple. Visit the menu on our website, order cannabis for delivery, or stop by our Union Square, Downtown Brooklyn, or Fifth Avenue location to unlock a new world of adventures.