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

If you're visiting New York City from Ecuador and curious about cannabis — yes, adults 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis in New York City using a valid passport as your ID. No medical card required. No special permit. Just your passport, your age, and a licensed dispensary. Welcome to one of the most exciting legal cannabis markets in the world, and we're glad you're here.

We're Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand based in Brooklyn, NYC. We were founded in March 2024 by Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, partners for over 25 years. In just over a year, we've grown to be carried in 150+ licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York State. We built Silly Nice to represent quality, community, and culture — and we want every visitor to NYC, whether from around the block or around the world, to have the best experience with legal cannabis this city has to offer.

Back home in Ecuador, cannabis occupies a complicated legal space. While Ecuador decriminalized possession of small amounts for personal use, the country does not have a licensed recreational cannabis retail market. There are no dispensaries, no regulated products, and no framework for legal adult-use sales. Cultivation, distribution, and commercial sale remain illegal, and enforcement can be unpredictable depending on the region and amount involved.

New York operates under an entirely different system. In 2021, New York State passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), legalizing recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. Since then, the state has built out a robust licensing framework for cultivators, processors, and retailers. Today, hundreds of licensed dispensaries operate across the five boroughs and throughout New York State, selling tested, regulated, lab-verified cannabis products. This is legal, transparent, and consumer-safe in a way that doesn't yet exist in Ecuador.

That difference matters. When you shop at a licensed New York dispensary, you're buying products that have been tested for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. Every product on the shelf — including ours — comes with a verified Certificate of Analysis. As a tourist from Ecuador, you're stepping into one of the most advanced regulated cannabis systems in the world. Take advantage of it.

Your Passport Is All You Need

Your Ecuadorian passport is a fully accepted, government-issued ID at every licensed New York cannabis dispensary. You do not need a U.S. driver's license or a New York State ID. Simply present your passport at the door to verify you are 21 or older, and you'll be welcomed in like any other adult consumer. Make sure your passport is current and valid — expired documents will not be accepted.

If you're traveling with a group, everyone making a purchase needs to be 21 or older and present their own valid ID. There's no purchasing on behalf of someone else, and dispensary staff are trained to verify every individual customer. This protects the legal market and keeps everyone safe.

Purchase Limits for Adult Consumers

New York State sets clear purchase limits for adult-use transactions. Per visit, you may purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis products — which includes items like hash, vape cartridges, and infused products. These limits apply per transaction, meaning they reset with each new dispensary visit. For most tourists, a single dispensary trip will give you more than enough variety to enjoy during your stay in the city.

This is where many tourists — from anywhere in the world — get tripped up, so let us be direct. Legal purchase does not automatically mean legal consumption everywhere. New York law permits cannabis consumption in private spaces. That means inside a private residence or a designated cannabis consumption lounge where it's explicitly permitted. It does not mean your hotel room, it does not mean the sidewalk in front of a dispensary, and it absolutely does not mean inside a vehicle.

Most hotels explicitly prohibit cannabis consumption in their rooms and common areas, and violating that policy can result in fines or being asked to leave. If you're renting a private apartment through a short-term rental platform, check the host's rules before consuming cannabis on the property. New York City does have licensed consumption lounges, and we encourage you to explore those options if you want a legal, social setting to enjoy cannabis during your visit.

Public parks, streets, transit stations, vehicles — all off-limits for cannabis consumption under New York law. Being a tourist doesn't exempt you from local ordinances. We want your experience to be great, so plan your consumption setting before you purchase, not after.

We cannot stress this enough. Whatever cannabis products you purchase in New York City must stay in New York City. Attempting to transport cannabis across international borders — including back to Ecuador — is a serious federal crime under United States law. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law, which governs international airports, customs, and border crossing. It doesn't matter that you purchased it legally in New York State.

On Ecuador's side, importing cannabis into the country is also illegal under Ecuadorian national law, regardless of the quantity or form. Getting caught with cannabis at an international checkpoint — whether at JFK, EWR, or any other departure point — can result in federal criminal charges, deportation, loss of future U.S. entry privileges, and serious legal consequences when you arrive home. This is not a risk worth taking for any product, no matter how exceptional.

Our advice: enjoy what you purchase here, in New York, during your stay. Consume responsibly, stay within the legal framework, and leave any remaining product behind in a safe manner before your departure. The best souvenir from the New York cannabis experience is the memory — not a legal disaster at customs.

Use Weedmaps to Locate Us

The easiest way to find a licensed dispensary near you in New York City is to use Weedmaps. Visit weedmaps.com/brands/silly-nice to see a full map of dispensaries currently carrying our products. You can filter by location, check real-time inventory, and read reviews from other consumers. Weedmaps only lists licensed, legal dispensaries — so if a store appears there, you can trust it's operating within New York State regulations.

We're proud to say that Silly Nice products are now available in 150+ licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York State — including locations throughout New York City. Whether you're staying in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, there's likely a dispensary within a short distance carrying our full lineup. Look for our distinctive branding on the shelves and don't hesitate to ask a budtender for a recommendation.

What to Expect Inside a Licensed NYC Dispensary

Walking into a licensed New York cannabis dispensary for the first time can feel like a premium retail experience — and that's intentional. Budtenders are trained professionals who can walk you through every product on the menu, explain potency levels, describe terpene profiles, and help you find something suited to your experience level and preferences. Don't be shy. Ask questions. That's what they're there for.

We're not just a brand that happened to make it onto dispensary shelves. Everything we produce is crafted with intention, tested rigorously, and priced to be accessible without compromising quality. Here's exactly what to look for when you're browsing a Silly Nice menu.

Concentrates and Hash Products

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 products we make — pure, crystalline cannabinoid isolate designed for experienced consumers who appreciate precision and power. Our Frosted Hash Ball is 1 gram of handcrafted hash at 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and an exceptional 5.7% terpene content, also $50. It's aromatic, flavorful, and a genuine craft product. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, our Bubble Hash offers 1 gram at 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and 6.2% terpenes for $44 — solventless, full-spectrum, and rich with character.

Flower and Vape Options

Our Infused Flower in Papaya Wine is 3.5 grams of premium cannabis flower infused for elevated potency — 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids — priced at $60. It's tropical, fragrant, and a standout on any shelf. For convenient vaporization, our 510 Vape Cartridge in Pink Stardust delivers 1 gram at 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids for just $40, compatible with any standard 510-thread battery. And if you want the ultimate all-in-one experience, our 2G AIO in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is a rechargeable, disposable 2-gram device with 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids at $80 — no battery needed, no setup required.

Every one of these products may help adults relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the city. Whether you're winding down after a night in Brooklyn or settling in before a quiet evening, our lineup was built for moments that deserve quality. We're proud of every gram that leaves our facility.

New York City is one of the most vibrant places in the world, and its cannabis market reflects that energy — diverse, creative, and constantly evolving. Shane and LeVar built Silly Nice because they believed that cannabis deserved to be held to the same standard as any other premium product. As a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run business, we built this brand from the ground up in Brooklyn with the belief that community matters, quality matters, and doing things the right way matters.

If you're visiting NYC from Ecuador, we genuinely hope you take the time to explore a licensed dispensary, ask your budtender about our products, and experience what a thoughtfully made, fully legal cannabis product can be. Follow the rules, respect the city, and take care of yourselves. That's all we ask.

And when you're ready to find us — we're out there on 150+ dispensary shelves waiting for you. Use our store locator or browse our menu to plan your visit before you even step outside your hotel door.