Visiting New York City from China? Here's Where to Find

If you're visiting New York City from China and you're curious about the legal cannabis market here, we want to give you a straightforward answer: yes, adults 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis in New York City. All you need is a valid government-issued photo ID — and your Chinese passport works perfectly. New York State has one of the most active and fastest-growing adult-use cannabis markets in the world, and we at Silly Nice are proud to be part of it.

We are Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas — co-founders of Silly Nice, a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand based in Brooklyn, New York. We've been partners for over 25 years, and in March 2024, we launched Silly Nice with a mission to create world-class cannabis products that represent our community and our city. Today, our products are available in 150+ licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York State. We built this brand for people who appreciate quality — and we're happy to welcome visitors from around the world.

This guide is designed specifically for tourists from China who want to enjoy New York's legal cannabis culture safely, responsibly, and with full knowledge of the rules. We'll walk you through the laws, what to bring, where to shop, and — critically — what not to do when it's time to head home.

Let's be direct about something important before we go any further. In China, cannabis is strictly illegal. The possession, use, sale, or trafficking of cannabis carries serious criminal penalties under Chinese law, including fines, detention, and imprisonment. There is no legal recreational or adult-use cannabis market in China, and cultural attitudes toward the plant remain largely cautious. This is a completely different landscape from what you'll find in New York.

New York State legalized adult-use cannabis under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in 2021. Since then, hundreds of licensed dispensaries have opened across New York City and the state. Adults 21 and older may purchase cannabis products legally from these licensed retailers. The market is regulated, lab-tested, and transparent — every product on the shelf must meet strict safety and potency standards set by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

As a visitor from China, you are welcome to participate in this legal market during your time in New York. However, it is absolutely critical to understand that what is permitted in New York does not travel with you. Enjoy cannabis legally while you are here — and leave it behind when you leave.

What ID Do You Need to Purchase Cannabis in NYC?

Your Chinese passport is a perfectly valid form of identification at any licensed cannabis dispensary in New York. Licensed retailers are required to verify that every customer is 21 or older before completing a sale. Simply present your passport at the dispensary counter and you'll be able to shop freely. Some dispensaries may use a digital ID scanner, but your passport will work without issue.

How Much Cannabis Can You Buy at One Time?

New York State sets legal purchase limits for adult consumers. In a single transaction, you may purchase up to three ounces of cannabis flower, or up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate. For most visitors, these limits are more than sufficient for a casual experience during your trip. Dispensary staff are knowledgeable and can help you choose the right products and quantities for your needs.

Knowing the purchase rules is only half the picture. Where you consume cannabis matters just as much. In New York City, cannabis consumption is permitted in private spaces — meaning places that are not open to the general public and where you have permission to be. Think of a private residence where you've been invited as a guest, or certain cannabis-friendly social spaces.

Here is what is NOT permitted: consuming cannabis in hotel rooms (most hotels prohibit this as a condition of their lease or fire safety policies), on public streets, in parks, in vehicles, in restaurants, or in any public-facing indoor space. Even though you may see people smoking on the street in New York, consuming cannabis publicly can still result in a fine, and it is not something we encourage. Always find a private, permitted space to enjoy your products.

We also want to be crystal clear: never operate a vehicle or any transportation after consuming cannabis. This is illegal, dangerous, and non-negotiable. New York City has an incredible public transit system — use the subway, take a cab, or use a rideshare app to get around safely.

We cannot stress this enough: do not attempt to bring cannabis or cannabis products of any kind back to China with you. This is not a gray area. Carrying cannabis across international borders violates U.S. federal law — cannabis remains a federally controlled substance in the United States, and U.S. federal jurisdiction governs all international airports and border crossings. You could face federal criminal charges before you even board your flight.

Once you arrive in China, the penalties become even more severe. China's anti-drug laws are among the strictest in the world. Importing controlled substances including cannabis can result in criminal prosecution, lengthy imprisonment, or worse. No product, no matter how much you enjoyed it, is worth that risk. Whatever you purchase, enjoy it in New York and leave it here.

We share this not to scare you, but because we respect you as a guest in our city. We want your experience to be amazing and completely free of legal complications. Buy it here. Enjoy it here. Leave it here.

Finding a licensed dispensary that carries Silly Nice products is simple. We recommend using Weedmaps, one of the most trusted cannabis retail search platforms in the United States. You can visit weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice to find dispensaries near your location in New York City that carry our full product lineup. Weedmaps shows you hours, menus, and reviews so you can plan your visit before you go.

You can also use our own store locator at SillyNice.com to find the nearest dispensary stocking our products. We're available at 150+ licensed retail locations across New York State, so whether you're staying in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, there's likely a Silly Nice retailer close to you.

At Silly Nice, everything we make is crafted with intention. We don't cut corners on quality, because we know you have choices and we want to earn your business. Here's a look at our full lineup of products, all of which are available at licensed dispensaries across NYC.

Concentrates and Hash — For the Experienced Enthusiast

Our Diamond Powder is one of the purest cannabis concentrate products on the New York market. At 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids in a 1-gram package, this crystalline concentrate is designed for experienced consumers who appreciate potency and purity. Priced at $50, it can be used to enhance flower or enjoyed on its own with the right setup.

If traditional hash culture speaks to you, our Frosted Hash Ball is a truly special product. One gram of expertly crafted hash at 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and a rich 5.7% terpene profile — all for $50. Then there's our Bubble Hash, a solventless extraction made with cold water and care, delivering 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and a deeply aromatic 6.2% terpene profile at just $44 per gram. Both hash products may help adults unwind after a long day exploring the city.

Flower and Infused Options — Classic and Elevated

Our Infused Flower in the Papaya Wine strain is a 3.5-gram experience unlike anything most cannabis markets can offer. Infused and loaded with 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids, this product combines the familiar ritual of smoking flower with next-level potency. At $60 for 3.5 grams, it's an exceptional value for the experience it delivers.

Vapes — Portable, Discreet, and Ready to Go

For visitors who want something portable and easy to use, our vape products are ideal. The 510 Vape in Pink Stardust delivers 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids in a sleek 1-gram cartridge, priced at $40. It pairs with any standard 510-thread battery. If you want maximum value in a self-contained unit, our 2G All-In-One in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is an incredible option — 2 full grams at 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids for $80. No battery required, no setup needed. Just a thoughtfully engineered device ready whenever you are.

We started Silly Nice because we believed New York deserved a cannabis brand that truly reflected the values of this city — diversity, hustle, authenticity, and excellence. As a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run business, we represent communities that have too often been left out of industries like this one. We're proud to be part of New York's legal cannabis market, and we're proud to share our products with visitors from around the world.

When you purchase Silly Nice, you're not just buying a premium cannabis product. You're supporting a small business rooted in service, in community, and in a genuine love for what we do. Shane's military background shaped the discipline and standards we hold ourselves to every day. Our 25+ years of partnership have built a foundation of trust and shared vision that shows up in everything we make.

We hope your time in New York City is everything you dreamed it would be — and if cannabis is part of that experience, we hope Silly Nice is the brand you choose. Welcome to New York. Enjoy it responsibly. And come find us at a dispensary near you.