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

If you're visiting New York City from Cuba and you're curious about the legal cannabis scene here, we want to give you a straight answer right away: yes, adults 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis in New York City with a valid government-issued ID — and your Cuban passport qualifies. New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, and the licensed retail market has been growing rapidly ever since. We are Silly Nice, a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand founded in Brooklyn, NYC, and we want to make sure every visitor to our city — especially those coming from places where cannabis culture is completely different — understands how this works, what's available, and how to enjoy it responsibly and legally.

We started Silly Nice in March 2024 with a clear mission: to bring craft-quality cannabis products to New York's licensed adult-use market, backed by integrity, transparency, and real community values. Co-founders Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas have been partners for more than 25 years. What we've built together isn't just a cannabis brand — it's a commitment to doing things the right way. Today, our products are available in 150+ licensed New York adult-use dispensaries across the state, which means wherever you're staying in NYC, there's a good chance a Silly Nice product is nearby.

This guide is designed specifically for tourists visiting from Cuba. We'll walk you through the legal landscape, what ID to bring, how much you can buy, where you can consume, and — critically — why you should not attempt to take any cannabis products back with you when you leave. We also want to introduce you to our full lineup so you can make an informed, confident choice at any licensed dispensary that carries our brand.

Cuba's Strict Cannabis Laws

Cuba maintains some of the strictest drug laws in the Western Hemisphere. Cannabis is illegal under Cuban law — possession, sale, cultivation, and trafficking are all criminal offenses that can carry serious penalties including imprisonment. There is no legal medical or recreational cannabis market in Cuba, and enforcement can be swift and severe. For most Cuban citizens, legal access to cannabis has simply never been a part of daily life or culture.

We understand that if you're coming from an environment where cannabis has been criminalized your entire life, walking into a licensed dispensary in New York City might feel surreal — even overwhelming. That's completely understandable. But the legal adult-use market here is exactly that: legal, regulated, transparent, and built with consumer safety as a top priority. Every product on a licensed dispensary shelf in New York has been tested by a state-certified lab and meets strict quality standards before it reaches your hands.

New York's Legal Adult-Use Cannabis Market

New York State passed the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March 2021, establishing one of the most comprehensive adult-use cannabis frameworks in the country. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) oversees licensing, testing, and compliance for every legal dispensary in the state. When you walk into a licensed retailer, you're in a fully regulated environment — trained staff, lab-tested products, clear pricing, and legal protections for consumers. It's a completely different world from what exists in Cuba, and we believe it's important for visitors to understand just how legitimate and safe this system is.

As a visiting tourist from Cuba, your passport is your best and most accepted form of identification at any licensed New York cannabis dispensary. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase. Budtenders are required by law to verify your age and ID before completing any transaction, so have your passport ready. There's no need to be nervous — this is standard practice at every licensed location, just like buying alcohol.

Under New York State law, adults 21 and older may purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis products per single transaction. That covers everything from hash and extracts to vape cartridges and infused products. You're also allowed to possess up to 3 ounces of flower and 24 grams of concentrate in public — though consuming in public is a separate matter we'll address below. For most tourists visiting for a short trip, the legal purchase limits are more than sufficient.

One important note: cannabis purchases in New York are subject to state and local taxes. Prices at licensed dispensaries reflect this, and you should expect to pay a premium compared to illicit market pricing — but you're getting something in return that the illicit market can never provide: guaranteed lab-tested safety, legal protection, and the peace of mind that comes with buying from a legitimate, regulated business.

Private Spaces Are the Rule

This is one of the most important things for tourists to understand, and we want to be crystal clear: cannabis consumption in New York City is only legal in private spaces where the property owner permits it. If you are renting a private apartment or staying with someone who allows cannabis consumption on their property, that's legally your best option. Consuming cannabis in hotel rooms, on public streets, in parks, in vehicles, or in any public-facing setting is prohibited under both state law and New York City regulations.

Some cannabis-friendly lounges and consumption spaces have begun to open in New York City, and these licensed venues are legally allowed to permit on-site consumption. We recommend doing a quick search on Weedmaps or checking local NYC cannabis event listings to see if any licensed consumption spaces are operating near where you're staying. The landscape is evolving quickly, and legal social consumption options are growing. But until you've confirmed a legal and permitted space, consume responsibly and privately.

Never Consume and Drive

We want to be absolutely clear on this: never consume cannabis before or while operating a vehicle of any kind. Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal in New York and is treated as seriously as driving under the influence of alcohol. If you're getting around the city, use the subway, a taxi, or a rideshare app. New York City's transit system is one of the most robust in the world — there's simply no reason to put yourself or anyone else at risk.

We cannot stress this enough, and we want to say it as plainly as possible: do not attempt to transport cannabis across any international border. This includes bringing cannabis from New York back to Cuba. Transporting cannabis across state lines or international borders is a federal crime in the United States, regardless of whether cannabis is legal in the state where it was purchased. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law, and federal law governs all international travel and airports.

Beyond U.S. federal law, Cuba's drug laws make importing cannabis a serious criminal offense with severe penalties. You could face arrest and prosecution in both countries. TSA agents at U.S. airports are required to report cannabis to law enforcement. No souvenir, no matter how good it is, is worth the legal consequences. Enjoy what you purchase during your time in New York, consume it here legally, and leave nothing behind at the airport except great memories of your visit.

We say this not to scare you but because we genuinely care about the safety and well-being of everyone who engages with our brand and with New York's cannabis community. Staying informed is the most powerful thing you can do as a visitor.

The easiest way to find a licensed adult-use dispensary in New York City that carries Silly Nice products is to visit Weedmaps at weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice. Weedmaps is a trusted, widely-used platform that lists verified, licensed dispensaries across the country. You can filter by location, browse current menus, check hours, and even read reviews from other consumers. It's free to use and incredibly helpful for first-time cannabis buyers navigating a new city.

Our products are available in 150+ licensed New York adult-use dispensaries statewide. Whether you're staying in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, there's an excellent chance you're within a short subway ride of a dispensary that carries our full lineup. Our store locator on our website is also updated regularly and will point you directly to the nearest location.

Concentrates and Hash Products

If you've never had access to legal, lab-tested cannabis concentrates before, our hash and extract offerings are a remarkable introduction to what's possible when craft quality meets regulated production. Our Diamond Powder is a 1-gram concentrate with an extraordinary 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids, priced at $50. It's one of the most potent single-gram concentrate products on the New York market and is designed for experienced consumers who want the highest possible cannabinoid content. A small amount goes a very long way.

Our Frosted Hash Ball is a 1-gram solventless hash product with 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and an impressive 5.7% terpene content, priced at $50. The terpene profile means you're getting genuine aroma, flavor, and complexity — not just raw potency. For hash enthusiasts, this is a product that rewards your palate. Our Bubble Hash, also 1 gram and priced at $44, delivers 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and a 6.2% terpene content — making it one of the most terpene-rich options in our lineup. Bubble Hash is made using an ice-water extraction process with no solvents, and the result is a pure, flavorful, and deeply aromatic experience.

Flower, Vapes, and All-In-One Options

Our Infused Flower, available in the Papaya Wine strain, comes in a 3.5-gram jar priced at $60. With 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids, this is premium flower enhanced to deliver a next-level experience. Papaya Wine is tropical, smooth, and deeply satisfying — a perfect option for those who want to experience high-potency cannabis in a familiar format. For a more portable and discreet experience, our Pink Stardust 510 Vape Cartridge delivers 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids in a 1-gram cartridge priced at just $40. It's one of the best-value premium vape options in our lineup and requires a standard 510-thread battery, which is available at most dispensaries.

Finally, our Alaskan Thunder Fuck 2G All-In-One vape is a 2-gram device with 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids, priced at $80. Everything is built in — no battery needed, no extra accessories. It's the most convenient option we offer and is ideal for visitors who want a premium, mess-free experience without any equipment. All six of our products may help adults relax and unwind after a long day of exploring New York City. Whether you're strolling through Brooklyn, catching a view from a rooftop, or winding down after a night on the town, Silly Nice has something for every kind of cannabis consumer.

We built Silly Nice from scratch, with 25+ years of partnership, a deep respect for craftsmanship, and a commitment to being the kind of cannabis brand that New York City and the world can be proud of. As a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run business, we know what it means to operate in spaces that weren't always built for us — and we built Silly Nice to be for everyone who deserves access to the very best.

Whether you're visiting New York for the first time or returning to a city you love, we're honored that you're considering spending part of your experience with our brand. The legal cannabis market in New York is something truly special — transparent, regulated, diverse, and full of options that simply don't exist anywhere else in the world. We hope you find exactly what you're looking for, consume it responsibly and legally, and leave New York with a memory that lasts long after your visit is over.

Use our store locator to find a licensed dispensary near you, or visit us on Weedmaps at weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice to see our full menu and find your nearest retailer. Welcome to New York City. Welcome to Silly Nice.