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

If you're visiting New York City from Burundi and you're 21 years of age or older, you can legally purchase cannabis right here in the city — no residency required, no special permit needed. New York State's adult-use cannabis program is open to any adult who meets the age requirement and presents a valid government-issued ID. Your Burundian passport is perfectly acceptable at any licensed dispensary. We want you to know that from the jump: this is legal, this is regulated, and this is something we at Silly Nice are proud to be part of.

We are Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand based in Brooklyn, NYC. Co-founded by Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, partners for over 25 years, we launched in March 2024 and have quickly grown to be carried in more than 150 licensed New York adult-use dispensaries statewide. We built this brand to bring exceptional quality cannabis to New York, and we're genuinely excited to welcome visitors from around the world — including from Burundi — to experience what legal cannabis culture looks like in one of the greatest cities on earth.

This guide is designed specifically for you. We're going to walk you through everything you need to know: what ID to bring, how much you can buy, where you can consume, what products we recommend, and — critically — what you absolutely cannot do when your trip ends and you head back home.

In Burundi, cannabis is illegal. Possession, sale, and use of cannabis are criminal offenses under Burundian law, and enforcement can be serious. There is no legal recreational or medical cannabis framework in Burundi as of 2024. This means that if you are a Burundian citizen, you may be coming from an environment where cannabis is entirely prohibited and carries real legal risk — which makes the contrast with New York's legal market quite striking.

New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in March 2021 under the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). Since then, a fully regulated market has taken shape, with licensed growers, processors, distributors, and retailers all operating under state oversight. When you walk into a licensed dispensary in New York City, every product on the shelf has been tested, labeled, and approved. You know exactly what you're getting — including potency levels, terpene content, and cannabinoid percentages. That level of transparency is something we take seriously at Silly Nice, and it's one of the reasons we invest so heavily in third-party lab testing across every product we produce.

The cultural shift in New York has been significant. Cannabis is openly discussed, cannabis businesses are celebrated, and the community around legal consumption is growing every day. As visitors from a country where this culture doesn't yet exist legally, we hope this experience gives you a glimpse of what a well-regulated, community-centered cannabis market can look like.

What ID to Bring

Your Burundian passport is your best form of identification when visiting a licensed cannabis dispensary in New York. Budtenders are required to verify that every customer is 21 years of age or older before completing a sale. A valid international passport clearly showing your date of birth satisfies this requirement. Keep it with you every time you plan to visit a dispensary — no exceptions. Some dispensaries may also accept other government-issued photo IDs, but your passport is the most universally accepted document for international visitors.

How Much Cannabis Can You Purchase?

New York State law allows adults 21 and older to purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower per transaction, along with up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate. For most visitors, this is more than enough to explore different products during a trip. You're also permitted to possess up to 3 ounces on your person at any given time. Keep your purchase receipts from the dispensary — they help demonstrate that your cannabis was legally acquired if you're ever questioned.

We recommend starting with smaller quantities if you're new to cannabis or trying concentrates for the first time. Our products are clearly labeled with potency information so you can make an informed decision that fits your comfort level and experience.

This is one of the most important sections of this guide, so please read carefully. New York State law permits cannabis consumption in private spaces. That generally means a private residence where the property owner allows it. If you're staying with friends or family in NYC and they permit smoking or vaping in their home, you may consume there. Some cannabis-friendly accommodations also exist in the city — it's worth researching these specifically if you're planning to consume during your stay.

What is NOT permitted: consuming cannabis in hotel rooms (most hotels explicitly prohibit this and it is considered a violation of their private property policies), on public streets, in parks, in vehicles of any kind, or in any public space. Do not consume cannabis in your Airbnb or rental property unless the host has explicitly stated it is allowed — violating this can result in penalties. Do not drive or operate any vehicle after consuming cannabis. Ever. There is no safe or legal version of that.

We know navigating these rules as a visitor can feel complicated, but the principle is simple: consume only where you have clear, explicit permission to do so on private property. When in doubt, ask before you light up.

We cannot stress this enough: do not attempt to transport cannabis across international borders. It doesn't matter that it was legally purchased in New York. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under United States federal law, which means transporting it through any federally regulated space — including airports, international flights, and customs checkpoints — is a federal crime. Attempting to board a flight with cannabis in your luggage or on your person could result in federal charges, significant fines, and imprisonment.

Beyond U.S. federal law, Burundi's laws strictly prohibit cannabis, and arriving in Burundi with cannabis could result in serious criminal prosecution under Burundian law. The legal and personal consequences are severe and real. Please enjoy cannabis responsibly during your time in New York, and leave it here when you go. What happens in New York stays in New York — and in this case, that is not a figure of speech. It is the law.

With over 150 licensed dispensaries across New York State stocking our products, finding Silly Nice near wherever you're staying in NYC is straightforward. The easiest tool to use is Weedmaps — visit weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice to find a verified, licensed dispensary near you that carries our full product lineup. Weedmaps is a trusted platform for locating licensed cannabis retailers, and it will show you hours, menus, and directions all in one place.

You can also use our own store locator on our website to find the dispensary nearest to your location in New York City or anywhere across the state. We recommend calling ahead or checking live menus online before heading out, since inventory does move quickly — especially on our concentrates and hash products, which tend to be popular among both experienced consumers and curious newcomers.

Concentrates and Hash — Premium Quality, Fully Lab-Tested

Our Diamond Powder is one of our most talked-about products. At 1 gram for $50, it tests at 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids — this is a crystalline concentrate for experienced users who know what they're doing. It's incredibly versatile: you can add it to flower, use it in a dab rig, or incorporate it into other preparations. If you're curious about concentrates and want something with serious potency, this is it.

Our Frosted Hash Ball is a standout product that has quickly become a favorite. Also 1 gram at $50, it tests at 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and an impressive 5.7% terpenes. The terpene content is what sets it apart — rich aroma, full flavor, and a well-rounded experience that may help adults relax and unwind. Hand-pressed and crafted with care, this is hash made the right way. For visitors who appreciate traditional hash culture, this product bridges the old-world tradition with modern precision testing.

Our Bubble Hash comes in at 1 gram for $44 and tests at 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and 6.2% terpenes — actually the highest terpene content across our hash products. Made through a water-based solventless extraction process, Bubble Hash is a clean, expressive concentrate that delivers genuine flavor. It's a great entry point for visitors exploring hash and concentrates for the first time in a legal market.

Flower, Vapes, and All-In-One Options

Our Infused Flower — Papaya Wine — is a 3.5 gram jar at $60, testing at 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids. This is premium flower infused to amplify potency while keeping the natural smoking experience intact. Papaya Wine is a tropical, smooth profile that may help adults relax after a long day of sightseeing. It's one of our best sellers and a great choice if you prefer traditional flower over concentrates.

For something discreet and portable, our 510 Vape Cartridge in Pink Stardust offers 1 gram at $40, testing at 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids. Compatible with any standard 510-thread battery, this vape delivers clean, consistent hits without the need for combustion. It's a popular choice for visitors who want a straightforward, low-profile option while exploring the city — just remember, consumption is still subject to the same private-space rules regardless of format.

Finally, our 2G All-In-One Vape in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is a powerhouse: 2 grams at $80, testing at 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids. No battery needed — everything is built in, fully charged, and ready to go right out of the package. If you want maximum value and convenience in a single product, the 2G AIO is hard to beat. It's become one of our most recommended products for visitors who want a seamless experience from start to finish.

When you choose Silly Nice, you're not just buying cannabis — you're supporting a business that was built from the ground up by people who care deeply about quality, community, and representation. Shane Breen brought his discipline, dedication, and service-first mindset from his time as a U.S. Army Veteran. LeVar Thomas brought creativity, vision, and a deep commitment to building something meaningful. Together, over 25 years of partnership, they built Silly Nice into one of New York's most respected cannabis brands in less than a year after launching in March 2024.

We are Black-owned. We are Veteran-owned. We are LGBTQ+-owned. We are family-run. These aren't just labels — they are the lived identities that shape every decision we make, from the products we create to the dispensaries we partner with to the communities we invest in. When you purchase a Silly Nice product, you are directly supporting an independent, values-driven business in New York City.

Whether you're visiting New York from Burundi for a few days or a few weeks, we hope you leave with a great experience and an appreciation for what a legal, regulated, community-centered cannabis market can look like. Explore responsibly, follow the rules, and enjoy every moment. We're glad you're here — and we're proud to be part of your New York City story.