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

We are Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand founded right here in Brooklyn, NYC. Our co-founders Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas have been partners for 25 years, and when New York State opened adult-use cannabis to the public, we were ready. We built Silly Nice from the ground up because we believed New Yorkers — and visitors from around the world — deserved premium, small-batch cannabis crafted with real intention.

If you're traveling to New York City from New Zealand, first of all — welcome. We know New Zealand has a culture that appreciates the outdoors, quality craftsmanship, and doing things properly. You'll find that same spirit in how we build our products. Whether you're landing at JFK, exploring Midtown Manhattan, or wandering through Brooklyn for a few days, we want to make sure you know exactly how to experience legal cannabis in New York City the right way — safely, legally, and memorably.

New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, and licensed retail dispensaries began opening in 2022. As of today, purchasing and possessing cannabis is fully legal for adults 21 years of age and older. That applies to you as a visitor from New Zealand — your age is what matters, not where you're from. As long as you're 21 or older and have a valid government-issued photo ID (your New Zealand passport works perfectly), you can legally purchase cannabis from any licensed adult-use dispensary in New York State.

What You Can and Cannot Do

Adults 21+ can legally purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrates at one time. You can consume cannabis in licensed consumption lounges, in private residences (with the property owner's permission), and in certain outdoor spaces where tobacco smoking is permitted. However, public consumption — on sidewalks, in parks where it's prohibited, near schools, or in places where non-smokers may be affected — is illegal and subject to fines. You absolutely cannot consume cannabis in your hotel room in most cases, as hotels are private properties with their own rules. Always ask your accommodation. And of course, never consume cannabis before or while operating a vehicle — ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are widely available across all NYC boroughs.

Cannabis Consumption Lounges in NYC

New York City has a growing number of licensed consumption lounges where you can legally enjoy cannabis in a social setting. These are perfect for visitors who don't have a private space to consume. Ask the staff at your dispensary for recommendations on nearby lounges — New Yorkers are generally happy to help tourists navigate the city.

Since launching in March 2024, Silly Nice has grown to be available in more than 150 licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York State. That means no matter which neighborhood your hotel or Airbnb is in, there's a very good chance a dispensary carrying our products is nearby. We make it simple — just visit our store locator and type in your address or neighborhood to find the closest dispensary stocking Silly Nice.

Midtown Manhattan

If you're staying near Times Square, Grand Central, or anywhere in Midtown, you're in one of the most dispensary-dense corridors in the city. Many visitors start their NYC cannabis journey right here because it's convenient after checking in and before heading out to explore. Dispensaries in Midtown tend to be polished and well-stocked — the staff is used to working with tourists and will guide you through your options without judgment.

Lower East Side and Greenwich Village

The Lower East Side and Greenwich Village have long been counterculture hubs, and they remain some of the best neighborhoods in New York for cannabis culture. Dispensaries here often carry a broader range of craft and small-batch products — exactly the kind of thing Silly Nice specializes in. If you're walking around exploring the art galleries, food spots, or nightlife, pop into a local dispensary and ask what's new from Silly Nice.

Harlem and Upper Manhattan

Harlem has an incredible legacy in Black culture, art, and entrepreneurship. As a Black-owned brand, Silly Nice feels deeply connected to this part of the city. There are licensed dispensaries in Harlem and throughout Upper Manhattan, and it's a neighborhood worth visiting for far more than cannabis — but we won't complain if Silly Nice is part of your Harlem experience.

Brooklyn — Our Home

Brooklyn is where we were born, and it's where Silly Nice lives. From Williamsburg to Crown Heights to Flatbush, Brooklyn has a thriving licensed dispensary scene. If you're spending any time in the borough — and we'd strongly recommend you do — finding a dispensary carrying our products is easy. Use our store locator and explore the borough the way it deserves to be explored: unhurried, curious, and present.

Every single Silly Nice product is small-batch, independently lab-tested, and sustainably packaged. We don't cut corners because we know that people who care about what they put in their bodies deserve transparency and quality. Here's a breakdown of what we make and what might be the right fit for your NYC visit.

Concentrates and Hash — NYC Specialty

Our concentrates are some of the most talked-about products in New York's cannabis scene right now. Diamond Powder (1g, $50) clocks in at 86.24% THC with 98.54% total cannabinoids — this is a product for experienced consumers who want the most potent, pure expression of cannabinoids available in New York. Our Frosted Hash Ball (1g, $50) delivers 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and 5.7% terpenes — it's hand-finished, aromatic, and frankly unlike anything you'll find back home. For a more approachable hash experience, our Bubble Hash (1g, $44) offers 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and an impressive 6.2% terpene profile. These are genuine, solventless hash products made with care — perfect for cannabis enthusiasts who know their stuff.

Vapes — Travel-Friendly and Discreet

If you want something convenient for your time in the city, our vape options are ideal. Our 510 Vape in Pink Stardust (1g, $40) offers 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids in a compact, compatible cartridge. For something bigger and longer-lasting, the 2G All-In-One in Alaskan Thunder Fuck (2g, $80) delivers 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids in a self-contained device — no separate battery required. Vapes are clean, precise, and easy to use in appropriate private settings during your trip.

Infused Flower

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower

Our Infused Flower — Papaya Wine (3.5g, $60) — is 51.22% THC with 58.63% total cannabinoids. It's a stunning, full-spectrum flower experience with tropical notes and serious potency. If you have access to a space where you can roll up and enjoy properly, this is the product for that occasion.

THC

37.32%

Total

42.90%

Size

3.5g

Price

$60

View Product

Walking into a licensed dispensary for the first time — especially in a city you're visiting — can feel a little unfamiliar. Here's what to expect so you feel confident from the moment you walk through the door.

Bring Your Passport or Government-Issued ID

Every licensed dispensary in New York is legally required to verify age before any sale. Your New Zealand passport is a valid and accepted form of identification at all New York adult-use dispensaries. Don't leave your hotel without it when you're planning to visit a dispensary — no ID means no purchase, no exceptions.

Cash vs. Card — Know Before You Go

Because cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States, many dispensaries have complex relationships with banking and credit card processors. Some dispensaries accept debit cards or have cashless ATM systems on-site. Others are cash-only. We'd recommend having some U.S. dollars on hand before you head out. ATMs are widely available across the city. If you're unsure, you can call ahead or check the dispensary's website before you arrive.

What to Expect Inside a Dispensary

Licensed New York dispensaries are professional, clean, and welcoming spaces. You'll check in at the front with your ID, then be welcomed into the sales floor where staff — called budtenders — will assist you. Tell them you're visiting from New Zealand and ask for Silly Nice products by name. Budtenders love talking about what they carry, and they're trained to help you find the right product for your experience level and preferences. Don't be shy — there are no dumb questions.

Most people bring home a snow globe or a Yankees cap. We think a Silly Nice Frosted Hash Ball or a Pink Stardust vape is a far better story to tell. Our products are made in small batches, crafted with the same energy and pride that New York puts into everything it does. When you go home to New Zealand and someone asks what you did in New York, we want Silly Nice to be part of that answer.

Note: Always check current customs regulations before attempting to travel internationally with any cannabis product. Cannabis laws vary by country, and we always encourage responsible, legal behavior. Enjoy Silly Nice products during your time in New York where it is legal to do so.

We are proud of what we've built since March 2024 — a brand that represents Brooklyn, represents the community, and represents the kind of quality that speaks for itself without needing to shout. Whether you've been a cannabis enthusiast for years or you're simply curious what legal cannabis in New York actually looks and feels like, we're glad you found us. Come find us at a licensed dispensary near you, and let's make your time in New York City something you'll talk about for a long time.