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

We are Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Our founders, Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, have been partners for 25 years, and together we built Silly Nice from the ground up with one mission: to bring world-class, small-batch cannabis to New Yorkers and visitors alike. If you're traveling to New York City from the Maldives, first — welcome. The journey from those stunning Indian Ocean atolls to the energy of NYC is a long one, and we are genuinely honored you're here.

We understand that in the Maldives, cannabis laws are among the strictest in the world, with possession carrying serious legal consequences. We deeply respect that reality. But here in New York State, the rules are different — and as a visitor, you have every right to explore legal adult-use cannabis responsibly and safely. This guide is our personal welcome to you, written to help you understand the laws, find the best products, and make the most of a uniquely New York experience.

New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in March 2021 under the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). Here is what you need to know as a visitor from abroad.

Who Can Purchase Cannabis in NYC

Any adult 21 years of age or older can legally purchase cannabis from a licensed adult-use dispensary in New York. That includes tourists and international visitors. You do not need to be a New York resident. However, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID proving your age — your passport works perfectly for this, and as an international traveler, it is likely the most straightforward form of ID to carry.

Where You Can and Cannot Consume

Cannabis can be consumed in designated consumption lounges that are licensed for on-site use. You may also consume in private residences where permitted by the property owner. Public smoking of cannabis — on sidewalks, in parks, near schools, or in hotels — is not permitted and can result in fines. Please be respectful of those around you and consume only in appropriate spaces. And of course, never consume cannabis and then drive or operate any vehicle. Plan your transportation in advance — NYC has an incredible subway system, rideshares, and taxis to keep you moving safely.

Bringing Cannabis Back to the Maldives — Do Not Attempt This

We want to be crystal clear on this: cannabis purchased legally in New York cannot be transported across international borders. Taking cannabis on a plane back to the Maldives — or any country — is a federal and international crime. Our products are meant to be enjoyed here, in New York, during your visit. Think of it as a true NYC experience, not a souvenir to pack.

Since launching in March 2024, Silly Nice products are now available in over 150 licensed New York adult-use dispensaries across the state. No matter which neighborhood you're staying in — whether you're in Midtown Manhattan near Times Square, down in the Lower East Side, exploring Greenwich Village, experiencing the culture of Harlem, or staying with us here in Brooklyn — there is almost certainly a licensed dispensary carrying Silly Nice within reach.

The easiest way to find us is through our store locator. Just enter your current location or your hotel's neighborhood and you'll get a list of licensed dispensaries near you that carry our products. We update this regularly to make sure you always have the most current information.

New York City is one of the most dispensary-dense legal markets in the world. Here's a quick neighborhood guide to help you plan:

Midtown Manhattan

If you're staying in Midtown — near Times Square, Grand Central, or the Theater District — you'll find licensed dispensaries within walking distance of most major hotels. Midtown is a high-traffic zone for cannabis tourism, and these shops tend to be well-stocked and staffed with knowledgeable budtenders ready to guide first-time visitors.

Lower East Side and Greenwich Village

These neighborhoods have deep countercultural roots and some of the most vibrant dispensary scenes in the city. The Lower East Side and Greenwich Village attract cannabis-curious visitors who want an experience that feels authentic to New York's creative spirit. These are great neighborhoods to explore on foot and discover a licensed shop that carries our full Silly Nice lineup.

Harlem and Upper Manhattan

Harlem has a powerful legacy in cannabis equity in New York, and as a Black-owned brand, this neighborhood means a great deal to us. Several licensed dispensaries operate in Harlem with strong community ties. If you're visiting the Apollo Theater, Central Park North, or exploring soul food culture uptown, check our store locator for shops in this area.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is our home. It's where Silly Nice was born, where Shane and LeVar have spent decades building relationships and community, and where you'll find some of the most passionate cannabis retail in the entire state. From Williamsburg to Crown Heights to Park Slope, Brooklyn's dispensary scene is thriving. If you make the trip across the bridge — and we strongly recommend that you do — you'll experience the borough that shaped us.

We are proud of every single product we make. They are small-batch, independently lab-tested, and sustainably packaged. Here's a breakdown of what you'll find under the Silly Nice label at licensed dispensaries across NYC:

Concentrates — For the Experienced Explorer

Our Diamond Powder is 1 gram of 86.24% THC crystalline concentrate with 98.54% total cannabinoids, priced at $50. This is one of the most potent products we make, designed for experienced consumers who want pure, clean, high-impact cannabis. Our Frosted Hash Ball is a 1-gram sphere of 67.34% THC hash with 78.34% total cannabinoids and 5.7% terpenes — $50 — a truly artisanal product that represents the craft of hashmaking at its finest. And our Bubble Hash is 1 gram of 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, with 6.2% terpenes at $44 — full-spectrum, solventless, and deeply aromatic. These concentrates are for those who know what they want and want the best.

Vapes — Discreet, Portable, and Perfect for the City

If you want something that fits your NYC lifestyle — easy to carry, simple to use, no extra equipment needed — our vapes are the move. Our 510 Vape Cartridge in Pink Stardust is 1 gram, 81.96% THC, 88.36% total cannabinoids, at just $40. It attaches to any standard 510-thread battery. Our 2G All-In-One in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is a self-contained 2-gram device, 82.46% THC, 84.06% total cannabinoids, at $80 — no battery required, no setup needed. Just pick it up and go. These are especially practical for visitors who want a premium experience without any fuss.

Infused Flower

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower

Our Infused Flower in Papaya Wine is 3.5 grams, 51.22% THC, 58.63% total cannabinoids, at $60. It's our premium flower infused with concentrate for an elevated, layered experience. If you want to truly slow down, explore flavor, and enjoy something that feels handcrafted — this is it.

THC

37.32%

Total

42.90%

Size

3.5g

Price

$60

View Product

Walking into a licensed cannabis dispensary for the first time can feel a little intimidating — but it should not be. NYC dispensaries are professional, welcoming spaces staffed by people who genuinely love what they do. Here's what to expect:

Bring Your Passport

Every licensed dispensary in New York is required to verify your age before allowing you to purchase. As an international visitor, your passport is your best option. Make sure to bring it with you — no ID means no purchase, no exceptions.

Cash vs. Card

Cannabis remains federally classified in the United States, which means many dispensaries operate primarily on a cash basis or use third-party payment processors. Some dispensaries have ATMs on-site. We recommend carrying cash to ensure a smooth transaction, though policies vary by location. When in doubt, call the dispensary ahead of your visit.

Talk to the Budtender

The staff at licensed dispensaries are trained and knowledgeable. Tell them you're visiting from abroad, that you're interested in Silly Nice products, and ask for guidance on what might be right for your experience level. They are there to help — not to judge. If you are new to cannabis or returning after a long time, start low and go slow. There is no rush.

We built Silly Nice because we believe cannabis should be crafted with integrity, sold with transparency, and enjoyed by adults who deserve the very best. From the Maldives to Manhattan, from Malé to Brooklyn — if you've made the journey to New York City, you deserve to experience what legal cannabis culture looks like when it's done right. We are in over 150 licensed dispensaries across New York State and growing every month. Use our store locator to find the shop nearest to where you're staying, ask for Silly Nice by name, and let us be a part of your New York City story. We're proud of what we've built. And we're honored to share it with you.