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

From us at Silly Nice — founded right here in Brooklyn by two partners who've known each other for 25 years — welcome to New York City. If you've made the long journey from Kiribati, one of the most remote and remarkable island nations on Earth, we want you to feel right at home the moment you arrive. Your home sits at the crossroads of the Pacific Ocean, a place defined by deep community, rich tradition, and a spirit of resilience that honestly reminds us of our own story. We are a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand, and we built Silly Nice for people who appreciate something real, something crafted with care, and something that reflects where they come from. We're glad you're here.

New York City is one of the most exciting legal cannabis markets in the world right now, and visitors from Kiribati and across the Pacific are discovering that alongside world-class food, music, and culture, NYC also offers world-class legal cannabis experiences. Whether you're staying in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or anywhere in between, this guide is for you. Let's make your visit unforgettable.

Before you walk into a dispensary, let's get clear on the rules so your visit stays smooth and stress-free. New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, and licensed dispensaries began opening throughout 2022 and beyond. Here's what you need to know as a visitor from Kiribati or anywhere outside the U.S.

Who Can Purchase Cannabis Legally in NYC

Cannabis is legal for adults 21 years of age and older in New York State. That means if you are 21+, you are fully welcome to walk into any licensed adult-use dispensary and make a legal purchase. Your age and identity will be verified at the door, so plan accordingly.

What ID Do You Need to Bring

As an international visitor from Kiribati, your passport is your best friend here. Bring your valid passport to every dispensary visit — it is universally accepted as proof of age and identity at all licensed New York adult-use cannabis retailers. Some dispensaries may also accept a government-issued driver's license or national ID card, but your passport is the safest bet. Do not forget it at the hotel.

Where You Can and Cannot Consume

New York law prohibits smoking cannabis in most public spaces, including parks, sidewalks, and anywhere that cigarette smoking is also prohibited. Consuming in your hotel room is generally against most hotel policies as well, though some properties are more lenient. The best news is that licensed cannabis consumption lounges exist in NYC, and these are designated spaces where adults 21+ can legally enjoy cannabis on-site after purchasing. Always consume responsibly, and never, under any circumstances, operate a vehicle or any form of transportation after consuming cannabis.

We launched Silly Nice in March 2024, and in a short amount of time we've grown to over 150 licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York State. That means no matter which neighborhood or borough you're staying in, there's a very good chance a retailer carrying our products is nearby. The easiest way to find us is through our store locator.

Just type in your hotel address, your neighborhood, or the zip code of wherever you're spending your time in NYC and you'll see a map of licensed dispensaries near you that carry Silly Nice products. It's that simple. No guesswork, no risking a purchase from an unlicensed seller — just clean, legal, lab-tested cannabis from a brand you can trust.

New York City is made up of incredibly distinct neighborhoods, and licensed dispensaries have opened up across the five boroughs. Here are some of the most popular areas where visitors tend to find us and explore the broader NYC cannabis scene.

Midtown Manhattan

If you're staying near Times Square, Fifth Avenue, or the theater district, Midtown is home to several licensed dispensaries. It's one of the most tourist-heavy parts of the city, and the dispensaries here are designed with visitors in mind — knowledgeable staff, wide selections, and a welcoming environment for first-timers and experienced consumers alike.

Lower East Side and Greenwich Village

These downtown neighborhoods have a long counter-cultural history and are natural homes for some of NYC's most beloved dispensaries. The Lower East Side in particular has a vibrant, eclectic energy that mirrors the spirit of Silly Nice — independent, authentic, and deeply rooted in community.

Harlem

Harlem holds a special place in our hearts as a Brooklyn brand. The cannabis culture here is deeply tied to community and culture, and several excellent licensed dispensaries serve residents and visitors throughout this iconic neighborhood.

Brooklyn

This is our home. Brooklyn is where Silly Nice was born, where co-founders Shane Breen and LeVar Thomas built this brand from the ground up. Brooklyn's dispensary scene is rich and growing, from Williamsburg to Crown Heights to Bed-Stuy and beyond. If you have time to cross the bridge, we highly recommend exploring what Brooklyn has to offer — cannabis included.

When you walk into a dispensary carrying Silly Nice, here's what you'll find. Every single product we make is small-batch crafted, independently lab-tested, and sustainably packaged. We don't cut corners and we don't compromise on quality. Here's a breakdown of our current lineup so you know exactly what to ask for.

Concentrates and Hash — A True NYC Experience

Our concentrates are some of the most talked-about products in our lineup. The Diamond Powder (1g, 86.24% THC, 98.54% total cannabinoids, $50) is a crystalline concentrate for experienced consumers who want maximum potency and purity. The Frosted Hash Ball (1g, 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, 5.7% terpenes, $50) is a handcrafted hash experience — beautiful, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. And our Bubble Hash (1g, 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, 6.2% terpenes, $44) is a terpene-rich, full-spectrum hash made using a solventless water extraction process that preserves everything great about the plant. These concentrates make incredible and unique NYC souvenirs — though always check international customs laws before attempting to travel home with cannabis products.

Vapes — Convenient and Travel-Friendly Within NYC

If you're exploring the city and want something portable and easy to use, our vapes are the answer. The 510 Vape in Pink Stardust (1g, 81.96% THC, 88.36% total cannabinoids, $40) is a discreet, high-potency cartridge compatible with any standard 510 battery. Our 2G All-In-One in Alaskan Thunder Fuck (2g, 82.46% THC, 84.06% total cannabinoids, $80) is a self-contained device — no battery needed, no setup, just open and enjoy. Both are perfect for visitors who want a clean, consistent experience while navigating NYC.

Infused Flower

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower

For those who prefer flower, our Infused Flower in Papaya Wine (3.5g, 51.22% THC, 58.63% total cannabinoids, $60) is something special. It's high-quality flower infused with concentrate for an elevated experience. Rich, flavorful, and crafted with intention.

THC

37.32%

Total

42.90%

Size

3.5g

Price

$60

View Product

We want your dispensary experience to feel easy and enjoyable. Here are a few practical tips that will help you navigate the process like a local.

Cash vs. Credit Card

Because cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States, many dispensaries are cash-only or operate with debit-only payment systems. We recommend carrying cash when you visit. Most dispensaries have an ATM on-site if needed, but withdrawal fees can add up. Check the dispensary's website in advance to understand their payment options.

What to Expect Inside a Dispensary

Licensed New York dispensaries are professional, clean, and welcoming environments. You will check in at the door with your passport, browse the menu either on a screen or in print, and speak with a budtender who can answer your questions and help you find the right product. Don't be shy about asking for recommendations — that's exactly what they're there for. Let them know you're visiting from Kiribati and looking for something that captures a true NYC cannabis experience. Ask for Silly Nice by name.

A Note on Legal Souvenirs

While cannabis products are legal to purchase and consume in New York State, transporting cannabis across international borders — including back to Kiribati — is illegal under both U.S. federal law and international law. Please enjoy your purchase responsibly during your time in NYC and do not attempt to take cannabis home with you.

We built Silly Nice because we believed the legal cannabis market needed more authentic, community-rooted brands. Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, his partner of 25 years, launched this brand out of Brooklyn in March 2024 with a simple mission: make the best possible cannabis products, put them in the hands of real people, and do it the right way. As a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run business, we bring a perspective and a standard to this industry that we're incredibly proud of. When you buy Silly Nice, you're supporting independent small-batch craft cannabis made by people who genuinely care.

You've traveled far to be here. New York City has a lot to give you — the skyline, the culture, the food, the energy. And now, legally, it has premium cannabis too. We'd be honored to be part of your NYC experience. Find us at over 150 licensed dispensaries across New York State, and use our store locator to find the location closest to you right now.