Last verified: March 2026
How Much Can You Carry?
Under the MRTA, adults 21 and older may possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and 24 grams of concentrates on their person. This applies everywhere in New York — at home, on the street, in a park, or visiting friends. There is no distinction between public and private possession for amounts within these limits.
| Context | Flower | Concentrates |
|---|---|---|
| On your person | 3 ounces | 24 grams |
| At home (from home grow) | 5 pounds from legal plants | |
| 3–16 oz (violation) | Criminal violation, no jail | |
| Over 16 oz | Misdemeanor | |
Home Storage from Home Growing
If you grow cannabis at home legally, you may store up to 5 pounds of cannabis in your home from your harvest. This is separate from the 3-ounce personal carry limit.
Penalty Thresholds
The MRTA dramatically reduced penalties for possession above the legal limits:
| Amount | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 oz flower / 24g concentrate | Legal | None |
| 3 oz to 16 oz | Criminal violation | Fine only, no jail |
| Over 16 oz | Misdemeanor | Fine and potential jail time |
What Changed: Automatic Expungement
One of the MRTA's most significant provisions was mandatory automatic expungement of an estimated 108,000 to 150,000 prior marijuana convictions. People who were convicted of possession amounts that are now legal had their records automatically cleared without needing to petition a court. This was one of the largest automatic expungement programs in American history.
How New York Compares
New York's 3-ounce limit is among the most generous in the country:
- New York: 3 oz flower, 24g concentrate
- New Jersey: 6 oz flower
- Massachusetts: 1 oz flower (outside), 10 oz (home)
- Connecticut: 1.5 oz flower
- Alaska: 1 oz flower (outside), 4 oz (home)
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org