Last verified: March 2026

Where to Buy Weed in New York

As of early 2026, approximately 600 licensed dispensaries are operating across New York State, giving residents and visitors plenty of places to buy weed legally. The market has accelerated dramatically — from just 40 stores at the end of 2023 to 261 by end of 2024 and 582 by late 2025, with roughly 18 new stores opening per month. Annual sales reached $1.69 billion in 2025.

The market includes 324 active CAURD licensees (equity-first retail licenses), converted medical Registered Organizations selling adult-use cannabis, and general retail licensees.

Find Dispensaries by Region

Verify a Licensed Dispensary

To confirm a dispensary is legally licensed, check the OCM Cannabis License Search. Licensed dispensaries display their OCM license prominently. Avoid purchasing from shops without visible licensing — unlicensed products are untested and potentially unsafe.

Search OCM Licensed Dispensaries

Types of Dispensaries in New York

• CAURD Dispensaries — Equity-first licenses for people with prior cannabis convictions. 324 active licensees.
• Registered Organizations (ROs) — Former medical-only operators now selling adult-use. Curaleaf, Verilife, The Botanist.
• General Retail Licensees — Standard retail licenses issued through the general application process.
• Microbusiness Licensees — Small-scale operations that can cultivate, process, and sell.

New to Dispensaries?

If this is your first time visiting a New York dispensary, check our What to Expect guide for tips on what to bring, how ordering works, and what makes the NY experience unique.