Visiting New York City from Central African Republic?

We'll say it plainly: if you are an adult aged 21 or older visiting New York City from the Central African Republic, you can legally purchase cannabis at any licensed adult-use dispensary in the state — no residency required, no medical card needed, just a valid government-issued ID such as your passport. New York's adult-use cannabis market is one of the most open and accessible legal markets in the world, designed to welcome adults from everywhere, including international visitors.

We are Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand based in Brooklyn, NYC. We were founded in March 2024 by co-founders Shane Breen, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, partners for over 25 years. In less than a year, we built our brand into 150+ licensed NY adult-use dispensaries across the state. We are deeply rooted in New York, and we built Silly Nice to share premium, craft cannabis with everyone who walks through this city's doors — including travelers coming from across the globe. This guide is for you.

This article will walk you through everything: the legal landscape, what ID to bring, purchase limits, where to consume, what not to do, and of course — our full line of exceptional Silly Nice products you can pick up right here in NYC. Let's make sure your visit to New York includes the very best cannabis experience possible, done safely and legally.

In the Central African Republic, cannabis exists in a complicated legal space. While cannabis cultivation has historically been present across parts of the country, there is no formal legal framework for recreational or adult-use cannabis consumption, sale, or possession. The country does not have a licensed retail cannabis market, and possession can expose individuals to legal risk depending on enforcement circumstances. This means that the open, regulated, consumer-friendly legal cannabis experience you can have in New York simply does not exist back home — and that makes your visit here genuinely unique.

New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021 under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), and since then the state has been building one of the most comprehensive and equity-focused cannabis markets in the United States. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) oversees all licensed dispensaries, ensuring product safety, accurate lab testing, and consumer protections. Every product you purchase at a licensed dispensary in New York has been third-party tested for potency, purity, and safety. This is a completely different world from unregulated cannabis — and it shows in every product we make.

As visitors from a country where this kind of regulated, transparent market doesn't exist, we want you to appreciate what New York has built. You are walking into dispensaries that operate with the same level of professionalism as a pharmacy or boutique retail store. Every Silly Nice product on the shelf has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming exactly what is in it. That transparency is something we are proud to offer, and it is part of why we built this brand the way we did.

Why Equity and Ownership Matter in the NYC Cannabis Market

New York's adult-use cannabis law was intentionally designed to prioritize equity, with licensing pathways created for communities that were disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. As a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned brand, Silly Nice represents exactly what this market was built to support — independent operators with deep roots in their communities building businesses from the ground up. When you purchase Silly Nice products, you are directly supporting that mission.

As an international visitor, your valid passport from the Central African Republic is all you need to prove your age at a licensed dispensary. The budtender will check your ID at the door or at the counter — this is standard practice at every legal dispensary in New York, just like purchasing alcohol. As long as your passport confirms you are 21 years of age or older, you are welcome to shop. You do not need a New York State ID, a driver's license, or any other local documentation.

New York State allows adults 21 and older to purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate per single transaction at a licensed dispensary. These are generous limits for a visitor, giving you plenty of options to explore different product categories during your stay. Dispensary staff — known as budtenders — are trained and knowledgeable. Do not hesitate to ask them questions about products, potency, or effects. They are there to help you find the right experience.

Finding a Licensed Dispensary Near You in NYC

The easiest way to find a licensed dispensary in New York City that carries Silly Nice products is through Weedmaps. You can visit weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice to see a full, current list of dispensaries near your location that stock our products. You can also use our own store locator directly at sillynice.com/store-locator. Always make sure the dispensary you visit is a licensed adult-use retailer — look for New York State OCM licensing information displayed in the store. Never buy from unlicensed sellers or pop-up vendors on the street.

Purchasing cannabis legally is only half of the equation — knowing where you are allowed to consume it is just as important. New York State law permits cannabis consumption in private spaces. This means the best and safest place to enjoy your Silly Nice products is in a private residence where you have the explicit permission of the property owner. If you are renting a private apartment or staying with friends or family in NYC, confirm with your host that consumption is permitted on the property.

Here is what you need to know about where consumption is NOT allowed: most hotels explicitly prohibit cannabis consumption in their rooms, even when their properties are designated non-smoking. Before consuming in your accommodation, check your hotel's policy carefully — and be aware that violating those terms can result in fees or removal from the property. Additionally, cannabis consumption is not permitted in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, subway stations, or any other location where cigarette smoking is also prohibited under New York City ordinances.

Never consume cannabis in a vehicle, whether you are driving or a passenger — this is both illegal under New York law and carries serious consequences. If you are exploring the city and want to enjoy your cannabis, plan ahead. Secure a private, permitting space and make it part of a relaxed evening rather than something done on the go. Cannabis may help adults unwind and enjoy their time — and that experience is always better when you are comfortable, safe, and in a welcoming environment.

We want to be absolutely clear about this: do not attempt to transport any cannabis or cannabis products out of New York or out of the United States when you return home. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under United States federal law. All international airports in the United States fall under federal jurisdiction, which means that transporting cannabis through any U.S. airport — including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark — is a federal crime regardless of state law. This is non-negotiable and the consequences can be severe, including arrest, detention, and criminal charges.

Additionally, importation of cannabis into the Central African Republic is illegal and carries its own serious legal consequences. No matter how much you enjoy the Silly Nice products you discover here in New York, they are meant to be enjoyed here. Purchase what you will use during your stay, consume responsibly within New York, and leave what remains behind. Your safety and freedom are not worth the risk. Enjoy the experience for what it is — a unique and special part of your New York visit.

We put everything we have into every product we make. Shane and LeVar built Silly Nice with an obsessive commitment to quality — because we believed from the start that New York deserved world-class cannabis made by people who actually care. Here is everything we currently offer, available at 150+ licensed dispensaries across New York State.

Concentrates and Hash — Exceptional Potency and Craft

Our Diamond Powder is a 1-gram concentrate that tests at 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids, priced at $50. This is one of the most potent and pure cannabis products you will find anywhere in New York — refined to near-crystalline perfection, it is designed for experienced consumers who want maximum effect. Use sparingly and responsibly.

Our Frosted Hash Ball is a hand-crafted 1-gram hash product at 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and a remarkable 5.7% terpene content, priced at $50. This is hash the way it is meant to be — rich, aromatic, full of character. The terpene profile is something truly special and delivers an experience that is as flavorful as it is potent. Our Bubble Hash is another premium 1-gram option at 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and a leading 6.2% terpene content, priced at $44. Made using traditional solventless ice water extraction, the Bubble Hash is a cleaner, more approachable concentrate that honors the craft of traditional hash-making.

Flower, Vapes, and All-In-One Options — Something for Every Preference

Our Infused Flower — Papaya Wine — is a 3.5-gram jar of premium cannabis flower infused to 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids, priced at $60. It is one of the most unique smoking experiences in the New York market right now, combining the natural richness of the flower with an infused boost that makes every session exceptional. For vape consumers, our 510 Vape Cartridge in Pink Stardust delivers 1 gram of 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids at just $40 — a clean, flavorful, and deeply satisfying vape experience at remarkable value.

Finally, our 2-Gram All-In-One Vape in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is a self-contained rechargeable vape device with 2 full grams of concentrate at 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids, priced at $80. If you want one product that will carry you through your entire stay in New York with zero hassle, this is it. No cartridge, no battery needed — just pick it up, charge it if needed, and enjoy. It is the perfect traveler's companion for the duration of your NYC visit.

New York City is one of the most extraordinary places in the world, and we are proud to call it home. Shane and LeVar built Silly Nice from the ground up in this city — a brand that reflects the diversity, the hustle, the creativity, and the community that defines Brooklyn and New York at large. When visitors from places like the Central African Republic walk into a dispensary and pick up a Silly Nice product, it means the world to us. You are part of this story.

We want your experience with legal cannabis in New York to be everything it should be — safe, elevated, and memorable. Follow the rules, buy from licensed retailers, consume in permitted spaces, and leave everything here when you go home. New York's legal cannabis market is a privilege — treat it as such. We hope our products add something genuinely special to your time in this city. From our family to yours — welcome to New York.

Use Weedmaps at weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice to locate dispensaries near you carrying Silly Nice products. You can also use our store locator and browse our full menu at sillynice.com. We are in 150+ licensed dispensaries across New York State — chances are there is one near wherever you are staying.