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

Whether you're landing at JFK or Newark and heading straight into the energy of Manhattan, or making your way to Brooklyn for the culture and the food, we want to be among the first to say: welcome. We're Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. We were founded in March 2024 by Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas — partners for 25 years — and we've built everything we do around craft, community, and respect for the plant.

We know visitors from the Philippines come to NYC with incredible energy. The Philippines has one of the most vibrant, warm, and community-forward cultures on the planet. Filipinos are known for being adventurous, social, and deeply curious about the world — which makes New York City one of the best destinations you could possibly choose. And if you're a 21+ adult interested in exploring what legal cannabis in New York has to offer, you've come to exactly the right place. This guide is written for you.

New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, and since then, a growing network of licensed dispensaries across the five boroughs and statewide has made it easier than ever to access legal, lab-tested cannabis products. Here's what you need to know before you walk into a dispensary for the first time.

Who Can Buy Cannabis in New York?

Cannabis is legal for adults who are 21 years of age or older. That's it. If you are 21+, you are welcome inside any licensed adult-use dispensary in New York. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or a New York resident. Tourists and international visitors are fully permitted to purchase cannabis legally from licensed retailers.

What ID Should You Bring?

Bring your passport. Every dispensary will ask for valid government-issued identification proving you are 21 or older. As an international visitor from the Philippines, your Philippine passport is perfectly accepted. Don't leave your hotel without it — there are no exceptions at licensed dispensaries, and staff are required by law to check ID before any purchase.

Where Can You Consume Cannabis?

New York has licensed cannabis consumption lounges where you can legally consume on-site. Outside of those spaces, you should know that smoking or vaping cannabis in public — on sidewalks, in parks, near schools or playgrounds, or in public transit — is not permitted. Most hotels also prohibit cannabis use on their property. Please be respectful of local rules, your fellow visitors, and the communities you're moving through. The best approach is to find a private, legal space to enjoy your purchase. And under no circumstances should cannabis ever be consumed before or while operating any vehicle.

Cash or Card?

This is one of the most practical tips we can offer: many dispensaries in New York still prefer cash, or have ATMs on-site. Some accept debit cards, and a growing number are moving toward full card acceptance — but to be safe, carry some cash with you. Purchases typically range from $40 to $100 depending on the product, and there are no minimum purchase requirements.

One of the most exciting parts of cannabis tourism in New York City is that dispensaries are woven into some of the most iconic neighborhoods you're probably already planning to visit. You don't have to go out of your way. Here's a quick neighborhood guide.

Midtown Manhattan

If you're staying near Times Square, the Theater District, or anywhere in central Manhattan, Midtown has licensed dispensaries within easy walking distance of most major hotels. After you've done the tourist things — the Empire State Building, Central Park, Fifth Avenue — ducking into a dispensary is a natural next stop on your New York experience.

Lower East Side and Greenwich Village

The Lower East Side and Greenwich Village have long been at the cultural edge of New York City. These neighborhoods have strong communities of independent dispensaries, and the overall vibe is exactly what you'd expect from areas with such deep histories of counterculture and creativity. If you're into exploring neighborhoods that feel genuinely New York — not tourist-packaged New York — these areas are for you.

Harlem

Harlem is a neighborhood with deep roots in Black American culture, history, and community. It's also home to several dispensaries and is an area we at Silly Nice feel a strong connection to as a Black-owned, Brooklyn-based brand. If you're visiting Harlem for its historic sites, food, and music heritage, you'll find dispensary options nearby as well.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is our home. It's where Silly Nice was born, where Shane and LeVar built this brand, and where we are most proud to represent. Brooklyn's dispensary scene is growing rapidly, spanning neighborhoods from Williamsburg to Crown Heights to Flatbush. If your NYC itinerary includes Brooklyn — and it really should — use our store locator to find a licensed dispensary carrying Silly Nice products near you.

If you've never been inside a legal cannabis dispensary before, here's what the experience typically looks like. You'll be greeted at the door or a reception desk. Staff will check your ID. Once you're cleared, you'll be able to browse the menu — either digitally on a screen or with the help of a knowledgeable staff member called a budtender. Budtenders are there to answer questions, explain products, and help you find something that fits what you're looking for. Don't be shy about asking. The best ones genuinely love what they do.

Dispensaries in New York are clean, well-organized, and professionally run. The legal market is heavily regulated, which means every product on the shelf has been tested by an independent laboratory, properly labeled, and approved for sale. When you buy from a licensed dispensary, you know exactly what you're getting — unlike anything purchased from unlicensed or illegal sources. Please only purchase from licensed, legal retailers.

We launched Silly Nice in March 2024 with one mission: make the best small-batch cannabis products in New York State. In a little over a year, our products are now available in 150+ licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York. Every single one of our products is independently lab-tested, small-batch crafted, and sustainably packaged. When you buy Silly Nice, you're supporting a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned family business rooted in Brooklyn. That means something to us, and we hope it means something to you too.

Concentrates and Hash: A Premium NYC Experience

For visitors who appreciate the craft side of cannabis, our concentrate and hash lineup is genuinely unlike anything you can find back home. Our Diamond Powder is a 1-gram concentrate sitting at 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids — priced at $50. It's one of the most potent products in the New York market and is perfect for experienced consumers who want the purest possible expression of the plant. Our Frosted Hash Ball is a 1-gram, hand-crafted piece of art: 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and an exceptionally rich terpene profile at 5.7% — also $50. And our Bubble Hash, at 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and 6.2% terpenes, brings a classic, full-spectrum hash experience for $44. These are real hash products — made with care, tested with precision, and built for people who know the difference.

Vapes: The Travel-Friendly Option

If you're thinking about what's practical for a trip, our vape options are some of the most visitor-friendly products we make. Our 510 Vape Cartridge in Pink Stardust is 1 gram, 81.96% THC, 88.36% total cannabinoids — and it runs $40. It's compact, discreet, and delivers a clean, consistent experience. For visitors who want more and plan to enjoy cannabis throughout their stay in New York, our 2G All-In-One device in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is 2 grams, 82.46% THC, 84.06% total cannabinoids, and priced at $80. The AIO requires no separate battery — it's self-contained and built for convenience. Please note: these products are intended for legal in-state use only and should not be transported across any international or domestic borders.

Infused Flower

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower

Our Infused Flower in Papaya Wine is a 3.5-gram jar of high-craft cannabis at 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids, priced at $60. This is our infused flower — premium cannabis flower enhanced with concentrated oil for a layered, complex, deeply satisfying experience. For the visitor who wants to truly immerse themselves in New York's legal cannabis culture, this is it.

THC

37.32%

Total

42.90%

Size

3.5g

Price

$60

View Product

Finding us is simple. Head to sillynice.com/store-locator, enter your current location, your hotel address, or the neighborhood you're visiting — and you'll get a map of all the licensed dispensaries carrying our products nearby. With over 150 locations across New York State, chances are there's a Silly Nice retailer very close to wherever you're spending your time. Whether you're in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or beyond, we've got you covered.

When you walk in, ask for Silly Nice by name. Our products are on dispensary shelves and staff are familiar with the line. If you want to see what's available before you go, you can also browse our menu at sillynice.com so you know exactly what to ask for.

New York City is one of the greatest cities on earth, and we are proud to be a small part of what makes it extraordinary. To every visitor coming from the Philippines — and from anywhere in the world — we welcome you with open arms. This city is for everyone. Its energy, its culture, its food, its neighborhoods, and yes, its legal cannabis scene are here for you to experience fully.

We built Silly Nice because we believe that premium cannabis should be accessible, transparent, and made with genuine care. Every product we put on shelves reflects that belief. So if you're 21 or older and you want to experience New York City's legal cannabis market at its best, seek us out. Try the hash. Try the vapes. Ask questions at the dispensary. And know that when you buy Silly Nice, you're supporting two Brooklyn guys — a Veteran and his partner — who put everything into building something real. We hope it shows. Welcome to New York. Enjoy the city. Enjoy the experience. And stay Silly Nice.