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

If you're visiting New York City from Botswana and curious about the city's legal cannabis scene, we want to give you a straightforward answer right away: yes, adults 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis at licensed adult-use dispensaries throughout New York City and across New York State. Your valid Botswana passport works as your ID. No special membership, no medical card, no local address required. Just show up, show your passport, and you're good to go.

We're Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand based in Brooklyn, NYC. We were founded by Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, partners for over 25 years. Since launching in March 2024, our products have expanded into 150+ licensed New York adult-use dispensaries statewide. We're proud to be part of a historic legal cannabis market, and we want every visitor to NYC — including those traveling from Botswana — to experience it safely, legally, and with the best products available.

This guide will walk you through everything: what ID to bring, how much you can buy, where to consume, what you absolutely cannot do with cannabis at the end of your trip, and which Silly Nice products we recommend trying while you're here. Consider this your official NYC cannabis welcome guide.

It's important to understand that the cannabis landscape in Botswana is fundamentally different from what you'll encounter in New York. In Botswana, cannabis — known locally as dagga — remains illegal under the country's laws. Possession, use, and trafficking of cannabis can result in serious criminal penalties. There is no legal recreational or commercial adult-use framework in place. For many Batswana, legally walking into a cannabis dispensary and purchasing a product off a retail shelf is an entirely new experience.

New York State took a major step in 2021 by passing the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), legalizing adult-use recreational cannabis for residents and visitors alike. Today, licensed dispensaries operate like regulated retail shops — well-lit, professionally staffed, and stocked with tested, lab-verified products. Everything on the shelf has passed rigorous state safety standards. As a tourist from Botswana, you are fully entitled to participate in this legal market the same way any adult New Yorker can.

Understanding this contrast matters not just for your trip, but for your return home. The legal status you enjoy in New York does not travel with you. What's sold legally here is still subject to Botswana's laws the moment it crosses into that country's borders — which we'll cover in detail later in this guide.

Accepted Identification for International Visitors

The good news is simple: your Botswana passport is all you need. Any valid government-issued photo ID that confirms you are 21 years of age or older will be accepted at licensed New York dispensaries. There's no requirement to present a local New York ID or a US driver's license. Budtenders at licensed dispensaries are trained to check international passports, so don't hesitate to present yours confidently.

Purchase Limits Per Transaction

New York State sets clear purchase limits for adult-use cannabis. In a single transaction, an adult 21 or older may purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate. These limits are per transaction at a licensed dispensary. You are not required to buy the maximum — most visitors purchase just what they plan to enjoy during their stay.

Keep in mind these limits are designed for personal use within New York. Purchasing large quantities with the intent to transport them — even within the United States — can raise serious legal complications. Buy what you'll consume during your visit, nothing more.

Buying cannabis legally is only part of the equation. Where you consume it matters just as much. New York law allows adults to consume cannabis in private spaces — meaning inside a private residence where the property owner permits it. If you're staying with friends or family in NYC who are comfortable with cannabis use on their property, that's your safest and most appropriate option.

However, most tourists stay in hotels, and this is where you need to be careful. Hotels are private property, and the vast majority of NYC hotels prohibit cannabis consumption on their premises, including in guest rooms. Violating a hotel's policy could result in fines, eviction from the property, or damage charges for smoke. Do not assume that because cannabis is legal in New York, your hotel will permit it. Always check your hotel's specific policy before consuming.

Public consumption of cannabis — on sidewalks, in parks, in vehicles, in restaurants, or any other public space — is prohibited and can result in fines. You should never consume cannabis and then operate a vehicle. Period. Keep your cannabis experience in a safe, appropriate, and private environment to ensure your NYC visit remains positive and law-abiding.

We want to be completely direct with you on this point because it's the most important legal warning in this entire guide. Under no circumstances should you attempt to carry cannabis — in any form — out of New York, onto an international flight, or back into Botswana. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under United States federal law, which governs all airports and federal transportation corridors. Attempting to transport cannabis through any US airport constitutes a federal crime, regardless of whether you purchased it legally in New York.

On the Botswana side, importing cannabis is a serious criminal offense under that country's national drug laws. Penalties can be severe, including imprisonment. Customs officers in both countries are trained to detect cannabis, including concentrates, vapes, and infused products. No packaging, no labeling, and no receipt from a licensed dispensary will protect you at an international border or customs checkpoint.

The cannabis you purchase in New York is meant to be enjoyed in New York. Treat it as a local experience — something special to your time in this city — and leave it here when you go. Your safety and legal standing matter to us. We'd rather you enjoy our products responsibly during your visit than face life-altering consequences at a border.

With Silly Nice products now carried in 150+ licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York State, finding us near your NYC hotel or Airbnb is straightforward. The easiest way to locate a dispensary carrying our products is through Weedmaps. Visit weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice to see a live, updated map of dispensaries stocking Silly Nice products closest to your location. Weedmaps is a trusted, widely-used platform that lists only licensed, legal dispensaries — so you never have to worry about walking into an unlicensed shop.

You can also visit our store locator directly on our website to find the nearest licensed retailer carrying our full product lineup. Our budtender partners across the city are knowledgeable and happy to help first-time visitors navigate their options. Don't be shy about asking questions — this is a retail experience designed to be welcoming and educational.

Premium Concentrates and Hash — The Full Lineup

We're proud to offer a lineup of premium cannabis products that represent the very best of New York's legal market. Whether you're a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or stepping into your first dispensary experience, we have something crafted to meet you where you are. Here's a full breakdown of our current Silly Nice product lineup with exact specs so you know exactly what you're getting.

Diamond Powder — 1g | 86.24% THC | 98.54% Total Cannabinoids | $50. Our Diamond Powder is one of the most potent cannabis concentrates you'll find on any New York shelf. At 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids, this is for experienced consumers who appreciate precision and purity. It's versatile — use it to elevate a bowl of flower or add it to a joint. If you're looking for something extraordinary to mark your time in New York, this is it.

Frosted Hash Ball — 1g | 67.34% THC | 78.34% Total Cannabinoids | 5.7% Terpenes | $50. This is one of our most unique and beloved products. Hand-rolled and rich in terpenes, the Frosted Hash Ball delivers a full-spectrum experience with 5.7% terpenes and a smooth, flavorful profile. At 67.34% THC, it's potent but approachable for consumers who appreciate traditional hash culture elevated to premium standards. A truly memorable experience that may help adults unwind and relax after a long day exploring the city.

Bubble Hash — 1g | 53.32% THC | 62.86% Total Cannabinoids | 6.2% Terpenes | $44. Our Bubble Hash is made using an ice-water extraction process that preserves the plant's natural terpene profile at an impressive 6.2%. With 53.32% THC, this is a fantastic entry point for visitors curious about concentrates who prefer a fuller, more aromatic experience. At $44, it's also one of our most accessible premium offerings.

Infused Flower

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower

Infused Flower — Papaya Wine | 3.5g | 51.22% THC | 58.63% Total Cannabinoids | $60. If you prefer to roll or pack a bowl, our Papaya Wine Infused Flower is a must-try. At 51.22% THC in a full 3.5-gram package, this infused flower combines the richness of premium cannabis with enhanced potency. The Papaya Wine cultivar brings tropical, fruity notes that make every session feel like something special. It may help adults unwind after a full day taking in New York's energy. 510 Vape — Pink Stardust | 1g | 81.96% THC | 88.36% Total Cannabinoids | $40. For convenience and discretion, our Pink Stardust 510 Thread Vape Cartridge is the ideal travel-friendly option within your NYC stay. At 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids in a full 1-gram cartridge, this product is compatible with any standard 510 thread battery. It's clean, consistent, and delivers a premium experience in a compact format. Priced at $40, it's also exceptional value. 2G All-In-One Vape — Alaskan Thunder Fuck | 2g | 82.46% THC | 84.06% Total Cannabinoids | $80. For those who want maximum value and don't want to worry about finding a compatible battery, our Alaskan Thunder Fuck 2-Gram All-In-One disposable vaporizer has everything built in. At 82.46% THC across a full 2-gram device, this is one of the most generously sized premium vape options on the New York market. The Alaskan Thunder Fuck strain is legendary for its bold character. At $80 for 2 grams, the value speaks for itself.

THC

37.32%

Total

42.90%

Size

3.5g

Price

$60

View Product

From all of us at Silly Nice — Shane, LeVar, and our entire family-run team — welcome to New York City. We built this brand because we believe that legal cannabis should be accessible, trustworthy, and genuinely excellent. As a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned company born in Brooklyn and now represented in 150+ dispensaries across New York State, we take immense pride in serving everyone who walks through the doors of a licensed shop carrying our name.

If you're visiting from Botswana, we hope this guide gives you the clarity and confidence to enjoy New York's legal cannabis market fully and responsibly. Purchase legally at a licensed dispensary, consume only in appropriate private settings, never get behind the wheel after using cannabis, and please — do not attempt to bring any cannabis products back across international borders. Keep it here, keep it safe, and make the most of your time in one of the greatest cities in the world.

When you're ready to find us, use our store locator or visit us on Weedmaps at weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice. Our products are waiting for you at licensed dispensaries across NYC. This is New York cannabis done right. This is Silly Nice.