What to Know About New York Legalized Marijuana?

New York legalized the adult use of marijuana last year, but the shops that sell to adult users are still in the process of opening up. So, what’s taking them so long? And how soon can recreational users expect to purchase cannabis legally? Let’s find out as we take a look into the current New York cannabis laws.






New York Marijuana Laws 2022

Here’s a quick look at the cannabis laws of New York.

Maximum Quantity

Citizens above the age of 21 are allowed to purchase, possess, and transport up to three ounces of marijuana and 24 grams of cannabis oil (concentrated). However, this is only going to come into effect 18 months after the first recreational sales. Residents will then also be allowed to keep up to 80 ounces at their homes.

According to amended laws of 2021, medical users are permitted to possess 60 days worth of supply of marijuana products. If you do not have a MMJ Card New York city, it is best to get one from a reliable source. NY Medical Card has skilled marijuana doctors to guide you and address any queries you may have.

Growing Cannabis at Home

Under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), citizens of New York will be able to grow three mature and three immature plants at their private residence. For households with multiple people, this amount is exactly double.

This too, is only applicable 18 months after the first recreational sale, meaning that adult users will only be able to grow cannabis at home sometime around late 2023.

On the other hand, medical users have been permitted to grow up to six mature and three immature plants at a private residence. This law was passed on April 14, 2022 but is yet to come into effect.

Places Where Smoking Is Allowed

As of now, New York citizens may smoke cannabis anywhere they can smoke tobacco. If a landlord allows their tenants to smoke tobacco at home, they also have to allow them to smoke cannabis. Citizens must not smoke in public transport, parks, and bars. New York may also set up social consumption places for those who cannot smoke at their residences.

Driving Restrictions

Driving under the influence of cannabis can land you into serious trouble. The first offense will be considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail or/and a $500-%1000 fine. A second offense will be treated as a Class-E felony, and can be fined between $500-$1000 with a year of jail time and revoked driver’s license.

Although the laws have been passed, adult sale is still on hold in New York. Let’s understand why that is.

Why Is It Taking Recreational Cannabis Stores So Long to Open in New York?

There are a few reasons why recreational cannabis stores have still not opened in New York, despite the law being passed well over a year ago.

• The tax structure hadn’t begun until this fiscal year, which started on April 1st, 2022. So, sales before that were simply not an option.

• The government had to set up a new cannabis control board to make new rules and provide licenses to sellers. This in itself, is a very thorough, time consuming task.

• No specific deadlines have been implemented on the bill, meaning that the whole process can take a lot longer than anticipated.

• Marijuana requires a harvest time and even longer to be processed into other products. With almost no clarity as to when sales will start, growers are left hanging.

When Will Recreational Sales in New York Begin?

It is still not known when adult users will be able to purchase cannabis without a medical card. Although sources suspect that it may happen by the end of 2022.

In the meantime, it is best to opt for a medical card to fulfill your marijuana needs.