Visiting New York City from Belgium? Here's Where to

If you're visiting New York City from Belgium and you're wondering whether you can legally purchase cannabis while you're here — the answer is yes. New York State has a fully legal adult-use cannabis market, and tourists are absolutely welcome to participate. All you need is a valid government-issued ID, like your Belgian passport, proving you are 21 years of age or older. You don't need a medical card, a New York State ID, or any special documentation. Walk into a licensed dispensary, show your passport, and you're good to go.

We're Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand founded in Brooklyn, NYC in March 2024. Our co-founders, Shane Breen, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, have been partners for over 25 years. We built Silly Nice because we believe cannabis should be crafted with intention, sold with transparency, and accessible to everyone who walks through a legal dispensary door — including visitors from across the Atlantic. Whether you're here for a week or a weekend, we want your NYC cannabis experience to be genuinely great.

In just over a year since launching, our products are now available in 150+ licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York State. If you're touring Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or anywhere else in the five boroughs, there's a solid chance a Silly Nice product is nearby. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from laws and limits to the specific products we make and how to find us.

Back home in Belgium, cannabis exists in a complicated legal gray zone. As of recent years, Belgium has implemented limited tolerance policies in certain areas — particularly allowing adults to possess small personal amounts without prosecution in some contexts — but Belgium does not have a regulated adult-use retail cannabis market. There are no licensed dispensaries where you can walk in, browse a menu, and legally purchase cannabis products the way you can in New York. The Belgian approach is closer to decriminalization in practice, not legalization.

New York is an entirely different environment. The New York State Cannabis Law, passed in 2021, created a fully licensed and regulated adult-use market. That means licensed dispensaries, tested and labeled products, clear purchase limits, and protections for consumers. When you buy from a licensed dispensary in New York, you know exactly what's in the product — potency, cannabinoid percentages, terpene content — because the state requires it. Every product on our menu has been tested by a state-certified laboratory. That level of transparency is something most European cannabis consumers haven't experienced yet.

As a Belgian visitor, this context matters. You're entering a legal, structured, consumer-facing market that operates more like a specialty retail store than anything you'd find in Europe right now. The quality, variety, and purchasing experience are genuinely unlike anything available back home. We think that's worth the visit on its own.

What ID to Bring and What to Expect at the Dispensary

Your Belgian passport is your best friend here. Any valid government-issued photo ID proving you are 21 or older will be accepted at licensed New York dispensaries. Passport, national ID card, or Belgian driver's license — all are generally acceptable. Staff at licensed dispensaries are trained to handle international identification and will confirm your age before allowing entry or completing a sale. Do not attempt to enter without ID. This is a strict requirement and non-negotiable.

Purchase Limits for Adult-Use Cannabis in New York

New York State allows adults 21 and older to purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower per transaction, and up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate per transaction. That's per visit to a dispensary. The selection available varies by store, but most licensed dispensaries carry a solid range of flower, concentrates, vapes, and infused products. When you visit a dispensary carrying Silly Nice products, you'll have access to our full lineup — from ultra-potent Diamond Powder to our handcrafted hash offerings.

This is where things get important, and we want to be straightforward with you. Legal purchase is one thing — legal consumption is another. In New York City, cannabis can only be consumed in private spaces. That means you cannot smoke or vape cannabis on public streets, in parks, on the subway, in vehicles, or in any public-facing outdoor area. The rules largely mirror those for tobacco smoking in the city.

Hotels present a specific challenge. Most hotels — including most major chain hotels and even many boutique properties — prohibit smoking of any kind in rooms, common areas, and on balconies. Violating this could result in hefty cleaning fees or being asked to leave the property. Before you purchase, check your accommodation's policies explicitly. Some short-term rentals through private platforms may offer more flexibility, but always confirm with your host first.

Our recommendation: plan ahead. If you're staying with friends, in a private rental that permits it, or have access to a private outdoor space, you'll have the best experience. Never consume in a vehicle, and never drive or operate any motorized transport after consuming cannabis. Public consumption enforcement in NYC has increased, and it's not worth the risk of a fine or an awkward situation during your vacation.

We cannot stress this enough: do not attempt to carry cannabis purchased in New York back to Belgium. This is not a gray area. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law, which governs all international airports, customs, and border crossings in the United States. Attempting to board an international flight with cannabis is a federal offense, regardless of New York State's legal status.

On the Belgian side, importing cannabis — even in personal-use quantities — would expose you to serious legal consequences under Belgian law. Neither country's legal tolerance at the local level applies to international border crossing. The risk is real, the consequences are severe, and frankly, it's not worth it. Buy what you'll enjoy during your stay, consume it responsibly before you travel, and leave nothing behind for your flight home.

We say this not to scare you but because we genuinely care about the people who engage with our brand. Part of why we built Silly Nice was to support a responsible cannabis culture — one that's informed, safe, and legally compliant. Enjoy your experience in New York fully, and do so within the bounds of the law.

The easiest way to locate a licensed New York dispensary near you is through Weedmaps. You can visit weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice to view our brand page and find dispensaries in your area that currently carry our products. Weedmaps is one of the most widely used cannabis retail discovery platforms in the country, and it allows you to filter by location, product type, and brand — making it simple to navigate as a first-time visitor to the New York market.

We're available in 150+ licensed dispensaries across New York State, with strong representation in New York City. Whether you're staying in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, finding a location near you is straightforward. You can also use our own store locator to search by zip code or neighborhood and get directly pointed to the nearest dispensary stocking Silly Nice.

We want your New York cannabis experience to be memorable for the right reasons. Every product we make is crafted with care, tested rigorously, and designed for adults who appreciate quality. Here's a full breakdown of what we offer, with the exact specs you'd see on the label — because transparency is something we take seriously.

Concentrates and Hash: For Visitors Who Want Something Exceptional

Our Diamond Powder is one of the most potent products on the New York market — 1 gram at 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids, priced at $50. This ultra-refined THC crystalline product is designed for experienced consumers and is ideal for dabbing or adding to flower. If you're familiar with high-potency concentrates, this one will impress you.

For hash lovers — and we suspect many visitors from Belgium and the broader European cannabis culture will fall into this category — we offer two distinct hash options. Our Frosted Hash Ball is 1 gram at 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and 5.7% terpenes, priced at $50. It's a full-spectrum, terpene-rich product that delivers a robust, aromatic experience. Our Bubble Hash is 1 gram at 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and 6.2% terpenes, priced at $44. Made through an ice-water extraction process, our Bubble Hash preserves the full character of the plant and may help adults relax and unwind in a way that feels natural and grounded.

Flower, Vapes, and All-in-One Options

Our Infused Flower — Papaya Wine strain — comes in a 3.5g jar at 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids, priced at $60. Premium indoor flower coated in concentrate, this is for those who want a full sensory experience from the moment they open the jar. The Papaya Wine profile is tropical, complex, and genuinely satisfying for anyone who appreciates nuanced cannabis.

If you're looking for a convenient, portable option — especially useful when you're exploring the city and want something discreet — our 510 Vape Cartridge in Pink Stardust is 1 gram at 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids, priced at $40. You'll need a compatible 510-thread battery, available at most dispensaries. For an even simpler all-in-one solution, our 2G AIO in Alaskan Thunder Fuck delivers 2 full grams at 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids for $80 — no battery needed, no setup required. Just charge and enjoy.

New York City is one of the most exciting cannabis markets in the world right now, and we're proud to be part of it. Shane and LeVar built Silly Nice because they believed New York deserved a premium, community-rooted cannabis brand that actually reflected the culture of this city. Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and family-run — we represent the kind of diversity and resilience that defines New York, and we put that energy into every product we make.

If you're visiting from Belgium, we hope this guide gives you the confidence to explore the legal market safely, legally, and with real enjoyment. Ask questions at the dispensary, try something you've never had before, and take your time with it. Cannabis is best experienced with intention — and New York's legal market gives you more options and more information than most places in the world right now.

We'd love to be part of your New York story. Look for Silly Nice at a licensed dispensary near you, or use our store locator to find the closest location. Enjoy the city, stay safe, and consume responsibly. Welcome to New York.