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

If you're traveling to New York City from Suriname, first — welcome. We're genuinely glad you're here. New York is one of the most electric, culturally layered cities on the planet, and we believe every visitor deserves to experience it fully, safely, and on their own terms. We are Silly Nice Cannabis — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand founded in Brooklyn, New York in March 2024. We were built by Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, partners for 25 years who have poured everything they have into creating a brand that represents community, quality, and integrity. Today, our products are available in 150+ licensed New York adult-use dispensaries statewide — and we want to make sure you can find us.

This guide is written specifically for visitors from Suriname. Whether you're here for a few days or a few weeks, we want to walk you through everything you need to know about legal cannabis in New York City — what the law says, what to bring, where to go, and why Silly Nice should be at the top of your list.

New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in March 2021, making it one of the most significant cannabis reform moments in U.S. history. Since then, a regulated market of licensed adult-use dispensaries has grown across the state, giving residents and visitors alike access to legal, lab-tested cannabis products in a safe and accountable environment. As a visitor from another country, you are absolutely welcome to purchase cannabis in New York City — as long as you are 21 years of age or older. There is no residency requirement. Your nationality or citizenship does not restrict your access.

The Basic Rules Every Visitor Must Know

First and most importantly: you must be 21 or older to purchase cannabis in New York. Every licensed dispensary will ask for valid government-issued identification — your passport is the most reliable and widely accepted ID for international visitors. Make sure it's current and accessible when you walk in. Second, cannabis consumption in public spaces is not permitted. That means no smoking or vaping cannabis on sidewalks, in parks, near schools, or in any public-facing areas where tobacco smoking is also restricted. You can consume cannabis in private residences or in any licensed consumption space, but do your research on your specific accommodations and venue policies before you go. Third, you cannot transport cannabis across state or international borders — this is federal law in the United States and non-negotiable. Whatever you purchase in New York stays in New York. Do not attempt to bring cannabis products on a flight or back to Suriname. Enjoy your purchase here, responsibly, during your visit.

We want to be transparent and respectful about this, because it matters. Suriname currently does not have legalized recreational cannabis. While personal possession is often tolerated to varying degrees depending on circumstance, there is no formal legal adult-use market in Suriname the way there is in New York State. That means the kind of regulated, independently lab-tested, quality-controlled cannabis you'll find at a New York licensed dispensary is a uniquely different experience — one you likely cannot access at home in the same form.

This also means that if you are flying into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark from Suriname, you are entering a country and a state where cannabis is legal for adults — but federal aviation law still governs what you can and cannot bring across international lines. Once you are in New York, you are operating under New York State law, and within that law, you have every right to walk into a licensed dispensary and purchase cannabis products like any adult resident would. We encourage you to embrace that freedom wisely, responsibly, and joyfully.

New York City's licensed dispensary landscape has expanded significantly since 2021, and you'll find licensed retailers spread across all five boroughs. If you're visiting NYC and want to explore dispensary options while also taking in the best of the city, here are some areas worth knowing.

Manhattan

Manhattan is home to some of the most well-known and easily accessible dispensaries in the city. Areas like Midtown, the Lower East Side, Harlem, and the East Village have established licensed retailers that cater to both locals and tourists. If your hotel is in Manhattan, chances are you won't have to travel far. When visiting any Manhattan dispensary, show your passport at the door, and always verify the dispensary is properly licensed before purchasing — you can confirm this through the New York State Office of Cannabis Management's directory or by using our store locator at sillynice.com/store-locator to find dispensaries carrying our products.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is our home. It is where Silly Nice was built, where Shane and LeVar put in the work, and where the culture that drives this brand was shaped. Brooklyn has a vibrant, growing dispensary scene spanning neighborhoods like Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg, and Park Slope. Many of the borough's dispensaries carry our full lineup. If you're spending time in Brooklyn — which we strongly recommend you do, by the way — look for us on the shelves and tell them Silly Nice sent you.

Queens

Queens is one of the most culturally diverse counties in the entire United States — and it's no surprise that its cannabis retail scene reflects that richness. If you're flying in or out of JFK, or if you're staying in neighborhoods like Astoria, Jamaica, or Jackson Heights, there are licensed dispensaries in Queens that may stock our products. Use our store locator to confirm which Queens locations carry Silly Nice before making the trip.

We don't ask you to take our word for it — we let the numbers speak for themselves. Every single product we make is independently lab-tested, small-batch produced, and sustainably packaged. We built this brand with the same discipline Shane brought home from the Army and the same creative commitment LeVar has carried for decades. The result is a lineup of products that stands apart in one of the most competitive cannabis markets in the world.

We know that many visitors from Suriname and across the Caribbean and South American region have a deep cultural history with cannabis — particularly with hash and concentrated forms. That's exactly why we want to put our hash products front and center for you. These are not generic, mass-produced concentrates. These are handcrafted, terpene-rich, high-potency hash products made for people who know the difference.

Artisanal Hash

Frosted Hash Ball

Our Frosted Hash Ball is one of our signature products and, for visitors who appreciate traditional hash, it is an absolute must-try. Each 1-gram Frosted Hash Ball comes in at 67.34% THC and 78.34% total cannabinoids, with an impressive 5.7% terpene content that delivers a complex, aromatic profile you'll notice from the moment you open the package. Priced at $50, it is a premium product at a fair price point. The Frosted Hash Ball represents the craftsmanship we bring to every product — rooted in tradition, elevated by precision.

THC

54.19%

Total

64.27%

Size

1g

Price

$50

View Product

Solventless

Bubble Hash

If you're looking for a full-spectrum hash experience with a slightly more accessible entry point, our Bubble Hash is the perfect choice. At 1 gram, 53.32% THC, and 62.86% total cannabinoids, with a 6.2% terpene content — the highest terpene concentration in our hash lineup — this product is rich in flavor, nuanced in effect, and versatile in how you can enjoy it. At $44, it is one of the best-value premium hash products available in New York dispensaries today. Sprinkle it on flower, press it, or enjoy it in a pipe — the Bubble Hash meets you wherever you are.

THC

57.2%

Total

66.3%

Size

1g

Price

$44

View Product

Concentrate

Diamond Powder

For those seeking the absolute highest potency in our lineup, our Diamond Powder stands alone. At 1 gram, 86.24% THC, and 98.54% total cannabinoids, this is a concentrate for experienced cannabis consumers who want the most refined, powerful expression of the plant. Priced at $50, it reflects the precise, lab-validated quality that defines everything we make at Silly Nice.

THC

86.24%

Total

98.54%

Size

1g

Price

$50

View Product

Infused Flower

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower

Beyond our hash and concentrate offerings, we carry a full range of products to suit every preference. Our Papaya Wine Infused Flower comes in a 3.5g jar at 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids for $60 — a tropical, aromatic flower experience unlike anything standard on the market. For a portable, discreet vape experience, our Pink Stardust 510 Vape delivers 1g of 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids at just $40, making it one of the most potent and affordable vape options in licensed New York dispensaries. And for those who want the most out of an all-in-one device, our Alaskan Thunder Fuck 2G AIO clocks in at 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids across 2 full grams — all for $80. Every product, every format, every time — small-batch quality you can verify.

THC

29.1%

Total

33.1%

Size

3.5g

Price

$60

View Product

We want your dispensary experience in New York City to be smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Here are some practical tips we've put together specifically for visitors coming from outside the United States.

Bring Your Passport

Your passport is your best friend when visiting a New York dispensary as an international traveler. Every licensed dispensary is legally required to verify that you are 21 years of age or older before any purchase. While some dispensaries may accept foreign driver's licenses, your passport is the most universally accepted and least problematic form of ID. Carry it with you whenever you plan to visit a dispensary, and keep it safe — you'll also need it at any point of re-entry when returning to Suriname.

Dispensaries Are Cash-Friendly

Due to the complicated relationship between federal banking law and the cannabis industry in the United States, many licensed dispensaries operate primarily on a cash basis — though some have begun accepting debit cards and cashless payment options. We recommend arriving with cash in U.S. dollars. You can exchange currency at most major international airports, including JFK and Newark, or at currency exchange offices throughout Manhattan. ATMs are also widely available near most dispensary locations if you need to pull cash locally.

No Public Consumption — Know Where You Can Enjoy

This is one of the most important things to remember: consuming cannabis in public spaces in New York City is not permitted. That includes parks, sidewalks, building lobbies, hotel common areas, and any enclosed public space. Before purchasing, confirm with your hotel or accommodation whether cannabis consumption is allowed on the property — many private rentals and short-term stays through platforms like Airbnb may permit it, while traditional hotels often do not. Licensed cannabis consumption lounges are beginning to emerge in NYC, but are still limited in number. Plan ahead, be respectful of those around you, and consume privately and responsibly.

Never Drive or Operate a Vehicle After Consuming Cannabis

New York City has exceptional public transportation — the subway runs 24 hours a day, and rideshare services are everywhere. If you plan to consume cannabis, use public transit, walk, or take a rideshare. Never operate a vehicle after consuming cannabis. This is not just a legal issue in New York — it is a matter of your safety and the safety of everyone around you.

Remember: Don't Take It Home

We cannot say this enough: do not attempt to transport cannabis products out of New York State or back to Suriname. This is a federal crime under U.S. law, and cannabis remains illegal to import or carry across international borders regardless of where it was legally purchased. Purchase only what you can enjoy during your stay in New York, and leave it behind when you go. Your memories of the experience are yours to keep — the product stays here.

With over 150 licensed New York adult-use dispensaries carrying Silly Nice products statewide, finding us is easier than ever — but we still want to make sure you land in the right place on your first try. The simplest and most reliable way to find a Silly Nice dispensary near wherever you're staying in New York City is to visit our store locator at sillynice.com/store-locator. Enter your location, and you'll get a current list of licensed retailers near you carrying our products. We keep this updated as our retail footprint grows, so it always reflects the most accurate and current dispensary locations.

When you arrive at the dispensary, look for Silly Nice on the shelves and ask a budtender — that's what cannabis retail staff are called — about our hash lineup if you want a recommendation. They know our products well, and many of them are fans themselves. Ask about the Frosted Hash Ball or the Bubble Hash specifically. Tell them you heard about us. We love knowing our visitors found us from across the world.

New York City belongs to the world. It always has. And as a brand born in Brooklyn — built by two people who have dedicated their lives to community, service, and creating something meaningful — we feel a deep responsibility to welcome every visitor who walks through this city's doors, wherever they've come from.

To our guests from Suriname: we see you. New York has long been connected to the Caribbean and South American diaspora in ways that run deep through culture, food, music, and now — cannabis. We built Silly Nice to honor that kind of community. We believe in quality without compromise, in representation without apology, and in sharing something genuinely good with people who appreciate it.

Whether you're here for the first time or you've been making the trip to New York for years, we want your cannabis experience in this city to reflect the best that legal, regulated, thoughtfully made cannabis can be. That's what we stand for. That's what Silly Nice is. Come find us in 150+ dispensaries across New York — from Brooklyn to the Bronx, from Queens to Manhattan — and let us show you what it means to do this right.

From Shane, LeVar, and everyone at Silly Nice — welcome to New York. We're glad you're here. Enjoy the city. Find us on the shelves. And when someone asks where you discovered great cannabis in New York, you'll know exactly what to say.