Visiting New York City from Syria? Here's Where to Find

If you're traveling to New York City from Syria, first of all — welcome. We're genuinely glad you're here. New York is one of the most alive, electric, and endlessly surprising cities on the planet, and we believe every visitor deserves to experience it fully, safely, and on their own terms. We're Silly Nice — a small-batch, premium cannabis brand born right here in Brooklyn, founded by Shane Breen, a U.S. Army Veteran, and LeVar Thomas, his partner of 25 years. We are Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and family-run. We launched in March 2024, and today our products sit on the shelves of 150 or more licensed adult-use dispensaries across New York State. We built this brand because we believe cannabis culture should be elevated, intentional, and welcoming to everyone — and that includes you, our international guests. This guide is written specifically for visitors arriving from Syria who are curious about New York City's legal cannabis market, want to understand how it works, and are looking for the best products they can find. Let's walk you through everything.

New York State legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021 under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). This was a landmark moment for the state and for cannabis culture nationwide. Since then, hundreds of licensed dispensaries have opened across New York City and the broader state, giving adults a regulated, safe, and legal way to purchase cannabis products. The rules are clear and straightforward — and as a visitor, you have every right to participate in this legal market the same way a New York resident does.

The Basic Rules for Adult-Use Cannabis in New York

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase cannabis from any licensed adult-use dispensary in New York. There are no exceptions. Adults may legally possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower or twenty-four grams of concentrated cannabis products at any given time. Purchasing from a licensed dispensary — not from an unlicensed street vendor or an illegal shop — is the only legal and safe way to buy cannabis in New York. Licensed dispensaries carry products that have been independently lab-tested, properly labeled, and legally approved for sale. That's exactly the kind of operation we run at Silly Nice, and every product we make meets those standards fully.

Where You Cannot Consume Cannabis in NYC

Public consumption of cannabis remains prohibited in New York City. You cannot smoke or vape cannabis on sidewalks, in parks, on subway platforms, in restaurants, hotels, or any indoor public space. Consumption is permitted in private residences, and some licensed consumption lounges are beginning to open across the city. Always be mindful of where you are and who is around you. Respect local rules, and you'll have no issues. And please — never consume cannabis and drive. Full stop.

We want to be transparent with you, because we respect our international guests. In Syria, cannabis is illegal under national law, and penalties for possession or use can be severe. We are not here to advise you on anything outside of New York City — what you do at home, in transit, or beyond U.S. borders is entirely your own responsibility and beyond our scope. What we can tell you is this: while you are in New York City, within the legal framework of New York State law, purchasing and possessing cannabis from a licensed adult-use dispensary is completely legal if you are 21 or older.

It goes without saying — and we'll say it anyway — that you cannot take cannabis products out of the United States when you leave. Cannabis remains federally illegal in the U.S. and is prohibited across international borders. Do not attempt to travel internationally with any cannabis products, concentrate, hash, or vape. Purchase what you intend to enjoy during your time here in New York City, and leave it all behind when you go. We want your visit to be memorable for all the right reasons.

If you're coming from a culture or region where hash has traditionally been the cannabis product of choice, you're going to feel right at home with what we've built at Silly Nice. Hash has deep roots across the Middle East and Central Asia, and we have enormous respect for that tradition. Here in New York, we've taken that craft and applied modern small-batch extraction methods to produce hash products that are clean, potent, aromatic, and absolutely premium. We think they're some of the finest hash products on the legal market in New York right now — and we're not shy about saying so.

Artisanal Hash

Frosted Hash Ball

Our Frosted Hash Ball is something truly special. Each one is a dense, handcrafted 1-gram sphere with a 67.34% THC content and 78.34% total cannabinoids. What sets it apart beyond the potency is the terpene profile — 5.7% terpenes, which means the aroma and flavor are rich, complex, and immediately recognizable to anyone who appreciates quality hash. This is a product that respects the tradition of hash while delivering it in a form that reflects modern extraction excellence. It's priced at $50, independently lab-tested, and packaged in small-batch sustainable packaging. If you only try one Silly Nice product during your visit, this is a strong argument for making it this one.

THC

67.34%

Total

78.34%

Size

1g

Price

$50

View Product

Solventless

Bubble Hash

Our Bubble Hash is made using ice water extraction — a solventless process that preserves the full spectrum of the plant in a way that's clean and natural. At 53.32% THC and 62.86% total cannabinoids, this is a more moderate-potency option, but what it offers in terpene richness is remarkable: 6.2% terpenes, the highest in our hash lineup. The flavor is deep, earthy, and expressive. For visitors who grew up with hash and want something familiar but elevated, our Bubble Hash at $44 per gram is an exceptional choice. It's also a great entry point if you're newer to concentrates and want something that feels approachable without sacrificing quality.

THC

53.32%

Total

62.86%

Size

1g

Price

$44

View Product

While our hash products are often the first thing that resonates with visitors from hash-culture backgrounds, we make a full lineup of small-batch, lab-tested cannabis products that are worth exploring during your time in New York City. Each one reflects our commitment to quality, transparency, and craft.

Concentrate

Diamond Powder

Our Diamond Powder is a 1-gram concentrate that measures in at 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids — making it the most potent product we produce. At $50, it's designed for experienced consumers who know exactly what they're working with. Diamond Powder can be added to flower, used in a dab rig, or incorporated into other consumption methods for a serious boost in intensity. This is not a beginner product. But if you're experienced and looking for something extraordinary, it delivers.

THC

86.24%

Total

98.54%

Size

1g

Price

$50

View Product

Vape Cartridge

510 Thread Vape — Pink Stardust

If you're looking for something discreet and easy to use without additional equipment, our vape products are the answer. Our 510 Thread Vape Cartridge in Pink Stardust weighs in at 1 gram with 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids — all for $40. It's compatible with any standard 510-thread battery, which most licensed dispensaries carry or can point you toward. For those who want more in a single device, our 2G All-in-One in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is a self-contained, no-fuss option: 2 full grams at 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids for $80. Both products are lab-tested, small-batch, and built to Silly Nice's full quality standard.

THC

81.96%

Total

88.36%

Size

1g

Price

$40

View Product

Infused Flower

Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower

For visitors who prefer smoking flower in the traditional sense, our Papaya Wine Infused Flower is a 3.5-gram premium option at $60. It comes in at 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids — elevated well above standard flower thanks to the infusion process. The Papaya Wine strain carries a tropical, smooth flavor profile that makes it a pleasure to smoke. If you're used to rolling your own and want a top-tier infused flower to enjoy during your New York stay, this is it.

THC

37.32%

Total

42.90%

Size

3.5g

Price

$60

View Product

One of the most common questions we get from visitors is: where exactly do I go? New York City has dozens of licensed adult-use dispensaries spread across all five boroughs, and Silly Nice products are available in more than 150 licensed dispensaries across New York State. Here's a general sense of where you're likely to find us and what neighborhoods to explore.

Manhattan: Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and Uptown

Manhattan has a growing cluster of licensed dispensaries, particularly in Midtown, around the Lower East Side, in Chelsea, and along the Upper West Side corridor. If you're staying in a hotel in Midtown or downtown Manhattan — which many international visitors do — you're likely within walking distance or a short subway ride from a licensed dispensary carrying Silly Nice. Use our store locator at sillynice.com/store-locator to find the dispensary nearest to wherever you're staying.

Brooklyn: Our Home Borough

Brooklyn is home — it's where Silly Nice was born, and it's where our roots run deepest. Neighborhoods like Crown Heights, Flatbush, Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy, and Park Slope all have strong dispensary presences. If you're visiting Brooklyn — and you should, because it's one of the most dynamic, culturally rich places in all of New York — keep your eyes open for licensed dispensaries and check our locator to confirm which ones carry our full lineup.

Queens: Diversity and Access

Queens is one of the most ethnically diverse places on earth and home to a significant Arab and Middle Eastern community — which means if you're arriving from Syria, you may already feel a cultural resonance there. Queens has a growing number of licensed dispensaries, especially in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, Jamaica, and Flushing. It's also where JFK International Airport is located, so if you have a day to explore before your flight home, Queens is worth your time. Just remember — nothing leaves on the plane.

If this is your first time visiting a licensed cannabis dispensary anywhere in the world, we want to make it easy for you. New York dispensaries are professional, welcoming, and designed to help you make the right choices. Here's what to know before you walk through the door.

Bring Your Passport — It's Your ID

Every licensed dispensary in New York is required by law to verify your age before selling you any cannabis product. As an international visitor, your passport is the gold standard for ID and will be accepted at every licensed dispensary in the state. Do not leave your hotel or accommodation without it. A driver's license from another country may or may not be accepted depending on the dispensary — your passport eliminates all uncertainty. You must be 21 or older.

Cash and Cards Are Both Welcome

Most licensed dispensaries in New York City are cash-friendly and many operate primarily in cash due to federal banking restrictions that still affect cannabis businesses nationally. That said, a growing number of dispensaries now accept debit cards or have ATMs on-site. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand when visiting a dispensary — U.S. dollars, of course. If you're unsure, call ahead or check the dispensary's website before you go. Our store locator at sillynice.com/store-locator can help you find specific locations and their details.

Ask Questions — Budtenders Are There to Help You

The staff at licensed dispensaries — often called budtenders — are knowledgeable, trained, and genuinely happy to help. Don't hesitate to ask about specific products, potency levels, or how different consumption methods work. Tell them you're visiting from Syria and looking for hash, and ask if they carry Silly Nice. They'll know exactly what you're talking about. New York's dispensary culture is welcoming and non-judgmental — it's part of what makes this market so special.

Consume Responsibly and Privately

As we mentioned, public consumption is prohibited. Enjoy your purchase in a private space — your accommodation, a friend's home, or a licensed consumption venue if one is available in your area. Start slow if you're trying a new product or a higher potency than you're used to. Our Diamond Powder at 86.24% THC and our Frosted Hash Ball at 67.34% THC are significantly more potent than traditional hash from unregulated markets. Give your body time to respond before consuming more. Pace yourself, stay safe, and enjoy the experience.

We want to take a moment to tell you why any of this matters beyond just good cannabis. Silly Nice is the result of 25 years of friendship, trust, and a shared vision between Shane Breen and LeVar Thomas. Shane served in the U.S. Army. Together, we built something from scratch in Brooklyn — a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand that launched in March 2024 and scaled to over 150 licensed dispensary locations across New York State in less than a year. We did that through product quality, community relationships, and an absolute refusal to cut corners. Every single Silly Nice product is independently lab-tested, small-batch crafted, and sustainably packaged. We know exactly what's in every gram we sell, and we stand behind it completely.

When you buy Silly Nice during your visit to New York City, you're not buying from a faceless corporation. You're supporting two real people, a real community in Brooklyn, and a brand that genuinely cares about the experience you have. That means something to us — and we hope it means something to you.

To every person traveling to New York City from Syria — whether you're here for tourism, to visit family, for business, or simply to experience one of the world's greatest cities — we want you to know that you are genuinely welcome in the world we've built at Silly Nice. New York City is a city that belongs to everyone who walks its streets, and we've always believed that great cannabis should be accessible to curious, responsible adults regardless of where they come from.

We know that the legal landscape around cannabis looks very different here than it does back home. We know that navigating a dispensary for the first time — in a foreign country, with unfamiliar products and processes — can feel uncertain. That's exactly why we wrote this guide, and it's exactly why we make sure our products are clearly labeled, properly tested, and easy to understand. When you walk into a licensed dispensary in New York City and ask for Silly Nice, you're asking for something made with care, transparency, and real pride.

Our Frosted Hash Ball and Bubble Hash are here to remind you that the tradition of hash — a tradition with deep, centuries-long roots across the regions of the world you come from — is alive, thriving, and being honored right here in Brooklyn. We think about that when we make our products. We think about the people who will open that package and feel something familiar in it. We want that moment to feel good.

So from Shane, LeVar, and everyone at the Silly Nice family: thank you for visiting New York City. We hope the city gives you everything you came here for. And when you're ready to explore the best legal cannabis and hash that Brooklyn has to offer — we'll be right there waiting. Use our store locator to find us, ask for Silly Nice by name, and enjoy New York to the fullest.