Welcome to New York City — We're Glad You're Here
Malo le soifua. Whether you've flown in from Apia, American Samoa, or anywhere across the Pacific to experience New York City, we want to be the first to welcome you — and to make sure your visit is everything you hoped it would be. We're Silly Nice, a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand based right here in Brooklyn, NYC. Founded in March 2024 by partners Shane Breen and LeVar Thomas — two people who have stood side by side for 25 years — we built this brand to serve our community with honesty, quality, and real pride. If you're visiting New York City from Samoa and you're curious about experiencing legal cannabis or premium hash while you're here, this guide is written specifically for you.
New York is one of the most exciting cannabis markets in the world right now — and we're honored to be part of it. Our products are available in 150+ licensed New York adult-use dispensaries statewide, from Manhattan to Brooklyn to Queens and beyond. Let us walk you through everything you need to know before you step into a dispensary for the first time.
Cannabis Is Legal in New York — Here's What That Means for You
New York State legalized adult-use recreational cannabis in March 2021 through the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). That means adults 21 years of age and older can legally purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries across the state — including here in New York City. You do not need to be a New York resident to shop at a legal dispensary. Tourists, visitors, and international travelers are fully welcome to walk in and make a purchase, as long as you are 21 or older and can prove it with a valid government-issued ID.
What ID Do You Need as an International Visitor?
Your passport is your best friend here. Bring your valid Samoan passport or any internationally recognized government-issued photo ID that clearly shows your date of birth. Every licensed dispensary in New York is required by law to verify that you are 21 or older before completing any sale. Don't leave your passport at the hotel — tuck it in your bag before heading out to shop. Most dispensaries also accept foreign driver's licenses as long as they include your photo and date of birth, but a passport removes any doubt and speeds up the check-in process.
What Are the Rules Once You've Purchased?
New York law permits adults 21+ to possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. However, you may not consume cannabis in public spaces — that means no sidewalks, parks, transit stations, or any place where smoking tobacco is also prohibited. Consumption is permitted in private residences and in licensed cannabis consumption lounges where available. Most hotels also prohibit cannabis consumption on their property, so be sure to check your accommodation's policies. And of course, never consume before or while operating a vehicle — always choose a safe way to get around the city.
Understanding Cannabis Laws Back Home in Samoa vs. New York City
We want to be straightforward with you, because we respect our visitors too much to leave out important information. Cannabis laws in both Independent Samoa and American Samoa are significantly more restrictive than what you'll find in New York City. In Independent Samoa, cannabis is classified as an illegal substance, and possession or use can result in serious legal consequences. In American Samoa, cannabis also remains federally controlled and is not legal for recreational use under U.S. federal law — despite some U.S. states having legalized adult-use cannabis.
What you experience legally in New York City stays in New York City. You absolutely cannot carry cannabis products — in any form — back onto a plane, across state lines, or internationally. Attempting to transport cannabis through any airport, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, or Newark Liberty International Airport, is a serious federal offense. Buy only what you plan to enjoy during your stay in New York, and do not attempt to bring any product home with you. We say this with love, because the last thing we want is for your New York experience to come with consequences once you leave.
Why Silly Nice Is the Right Brand for Your First Legal Cannabis Experience
We didn't build Silly Nice to be just another cannabis brand. We built it to be something meaningful — a reflection of who we are and what we believe in. Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, his partner of 25 years, founded this company in Brooklyn with a mission to bring the highest quality, independently lab-tested, small-batch cannabis products to New York's licensed market. Every single product we make is sustainably packaged and rigorously tested so you know exactly what you're getting.
If you're visiting New York for the first time and you've never experienced legal cannabis through a properly licensed dispensary, we want your introduction to be exceptional. That means clean products, honest numbers, and a brand you can trust. We're proud of our roots and we're proud to represent Brooklyn on a statewide stage.
Our Premium Hash Products — A Special Experience for Visitors
Hash has a deep global history, and if you're a traveler with an appreciation for traditional cannabis concentrates, we think you're going to love what we've created. We offer two standout hash products that have quickly become favorites across New York's legal market.
Our Frosted Hash Ball is a 1g hand-pressed masterpiece — 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and an extraordinary 5.7% terpene content that gives it a rich, aromatic profile unlike anything mass-produced. It's priced at $50 and is one of the most talked-about hash products in the New York market right now. For visitors who appreciate craftsmanship in their cannabis, the Frosted Hash Ball delivers something genuinely special.
Our Bubble Hash is a solventless water-extracted concentrate — 1g, 53.32% THC, 62.86% total cannabinoids, and 6.2% terpenes, available for $44. Bubble Hash is made using ice water extraction to preserve the full terpene and cannabinoid profile of the plant. It's approachable, flavorful, and beautifully crafted. If you're newer to concentrates or simply prefer a smoother, more natural experience, Bubble Hash is an ideal place to start.
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The Full Silly Nice Lineup — Something for Every Visitor
Hash is just one part of what we do. Our full product lineup is designed to give every kind of cannabis consumer — whether you're experienced or exploring for the first time — a premium option worth choosing.
Diamond Powder
If you're looking for the most potent concentrate on the New York market, our Diamond Powder is in a class of its own. At 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids per 1g for $50, this crystalline product represents the absolute pinnacle of cannabis concentration. It's intended for experienced consumers who know what they're doing and want the best.
THC
86.24%
Total
98.54%
Size
1g
Price
$50
510 Thread Vape — Pink Stardust
For visitors who prefer a vaping experience, our 510 Vape Cart in Pink Stardust is 1g at 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids for $40 — a clean, potent, and convenient option. If you want even more value and duration, our 2G All-In-One in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is 2g at 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids for $80. The all-in-one device requires no separate battery, making it perfect for travelers. Just keep in mind that these are for private consumption only — never use in public spaces.
THC
81.96%
Total
88.36%
Size
1g
Price
$40
Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower
Our Papaya Wine Infused Flower is 3.5g of premium cannabis flower infused for elevated potency — 51.22% THC, 58.63% total cannabinoids, priced at $60. If traditional flower is your preference, this is a luxury version of the classic experience. The Papaya Wine strain is tropical, smooth, and full of character — and frankly, it feels right at home for visitors arriving from the Pacific islands.
THC
37.32%
Total
42.90%
Size
3.5g
Price
$60
Where to Shop in NYC — Neighborhoods and Dispensary Areas to Know
New York City has a growing network of licensed adult-use dispensaries spread across all five boroughs. Our products are available in 150+ licensed dispensaries statewide, meaning no matter which part of the city you're exploring, there's likely a location near you carrying Silly Nice. Here's a general guide to where you'll find the most dispensary activity.
Manhattan
Manhattan has some of the most accessible and well-located licensed dispensaries in the city. Neighborhoods like the East Village, Lower East Side, Midtown, Harlem, and the Upper West Side have all seen strong dispensary openings. If you're staying in a Manhattan hotel and want to explore the cannabis market without venturing far, you'll find licensed retailers within walking distance of most major tourist areas. Always verify that a dispensary is officially licensed before purchasing — if it looks like a store selling cannabis without proper signage or licensing, skip it and use our store locator to find a verified legal option.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is our home, and we're proud of what this borough represents for culture, community, and craft. Neighborhoods like Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg, and Flatbush have seen a strong growth of licensed dispensaries serving the local community. Brooklyn is also a fantastic destination in its own right — combine your dispensary visit with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, a meal in Crown Heights, or an evening in Williamsburg. When you visit one of our Brooklyn stockists, you're shopping where we live and work.
Queens
Queens is one of the most diverse boroughs on Earth — a fact that makes it feel welcoming to visitors from every corner of the globe, including Samoa. Licensed dispensaries have been opening steadily in neighborhoods like Astoria, Jamaica, and Jackson Heights. Queens is also home to JFK Airport, so if you're arriving or departing from there, keep in mind that you'll want to do your shopping and consumption well before your flight — cannabis cannot leave the country with you.
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Practical Tips for First-Time Dispensary Visitors from Samoa
We want your dispensary experience to be smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable from the moment you walk in. Here are the most important practical tips to keep in mind before you shop.
Bring Your Passport — Every Time
Every licensed New York dispensary is legally required to check your ID before any purchase. Your valid passport is the most universally accepted form of identification for international visitors. Do not assume you'll be recognized as an adult without it — the law is clear, and budtenders must verify. Bring it every single time you visit, no exceptions.
Dispensaries Are Cash-Friendly
Because cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States despite state-level legalization, many dispensaries operate primarily or exclusively on a cash basis. Most locations have ATMs on-site or nearby, but we recommend coming prepared with U.S. dollars to make your transaction seamless. Some dispensaries do accept debit cards through cashless ATM systems, but cash is always accepted and often the easiest option for visitors. Check with the specific dispensary before your visit if you're unsure.
No Public Consumption — Respect the City
We cannot say this clearly enough: consuming cannabis in public spaces in New York City is illegal and subject to fines. That includes parks, sidewalks, beaches, public transportation, and any area where smoking is generally prohibited. Always consume in private. If you're staying at an Airbnb or short-term rental, double-check your host's rules. The goal is for your visit to be entirely positive — don't let a preventable fine turn a great trip into a stressful one.
Use Our Store Locator to Find Verified Legal Dispensaries
Not every store in New York City selling cannabis is legal. Unlicensed operators continue to exist, and purchasing from them puts you at risk and takes money away from legitimate businesses fighting hard to do things right. The easiest way to ensure you're shopping legally — and to find Silly Nice specifically — is to use our official store locator at sillynice.com/store-locator. Filter by borough, by neighborhood, or by proximity to your hotel. Every dispensary listed there is a verified, licensed New York adult-use retailer.
A Message to Every Visitor Arriving from Samoa — You Are Welcome Here
New York City is one of the most beautifully diverse cities in the world, and part of what makes it extraordinary is the fact that people come here from literally every nation on Earth — including Samoa. Whether you're here to see the skyline, visit family, attend a cultural event, or simply experience the energy of this city for the first time, we are grateful you made the trip.
At Silly Nice, we built our brand on the values of community, quality, and inclusion. As a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run business founded in Brooklyn, we know what it means to pour your heart into something you believe in. Every small-batch product we make — from our Frosted Hash Ball to our Bubble Hash to our Diamond Powder — is made with the same care and intention we'd want for our own family.
So if you've come to New York City from Samoa and you're ready to experience what legal, premium, craft cannabis looks and feels like — come find us. Walk into one of our 150+ licensed dispensary partners, ask for Silly Nice by name, and let us be part of your New York City story. We're proud to be here, proud to be building something real, and genuinely honored to welcome you to this city we love.
Fa'afetai lava — thank you for visiting. New York City is better because you're in it.
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Written by LeVar Thomas
Co-Founder of Silly Nice — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned New York cannabis brand. LeVar writes about hash, concentrates, dispensary culture, and the NYC cannabis community. Adults 21+ only.
