Welcome to New York City — We're So Glad You're Here
Mālō e lelei. To everyone traveling to New York City from Tonga, we want to be the first to say — welcome. This city is electric, alive, and endlessly surprising, and we are proud to be part of what makes it extraordinary. We are Silly Nice Cannabis, a Black-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, family-run cannabis brand founded right here in Brooklyn, New York. Our founders, Shane Breen — a proud U.S. Army Veteran — and LeVar Thomas, partners for 25 years, built Silly Nice from the ground up to serve every kind of cannabis enthusiast with quality, integrity, and pride. Since launching in March 2024, we've grown to over 150 licensed New York adult-use dispensaries across the entire state, and we want visitors from Tonga to know: you are welcome here, and we've got something exceptional waiting for you.
Whether you're here for a week, a month, or just passing through on an unforgettable trip, this guide is written specifically for you. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about New York's legal cannabis landscape, how it compares to what you're used to back home, which neighborhoods have the best dispensaries, and — most importantly — how to find our premium hash and cannabis products before you leave the city.
Understanding Cannabis Laws in New York City for Visitors from Tonga
Let's start with the facts, because we believe informed visitors have the best experiences. New York State legalized adult-use recreational cannabis in 2021 under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). That means any adult aged 21 or older — including international tourists — can legally purchase cannabis and cannabis products from a licensed dispensary in New York State. You do not need to be a resident. You do not need a medical card. You simply need to be 21 or older and have a valid government-issued photo ID to prove it.
What Visitors from Tonga Should Know About Cannabis Laws at Home
We want to be straightforward with you: cannabis laws in the Kingdom of Tonga are very different from what you'll experience in New York City. Cannabis is illegal in Tonga, and penalties for possession or use can be serious. This means that anything you purchase and enjoy here in New York must stay here in New York. Under no circumstances should you attempt to carry cannabis products — in any form — back to Tonga or through any international airport. U.S. federal law also prohibits transporting cannabis across state or international borders, regardless of state legality. We say this not to dampen your experience, but because we genuinely care about our guests. Enjoy what New York has to offer responsibly and legally while you're here — and leave it here when you go.
Key Rules Every International Visitor Must Know
Here are the most important rules to keep in mind during your visit: You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and consume cannabis in New York State. Public consumption — meaning smoking or vaping cannabis on sidewalks, in parks, on public transit, or anywhere tobacco smoking is prohibited — is not allowed. You may consume in private spaces where the property owner permits it. You cannot drive or operate a vehicle under the influence of cannabis. Do not carry open cannabis packaging in public. And always keep your receipt — it proves your purchase was made legally at a licensed retailer.
Bring Your Passport — Here's What ID You'll Need at the Dispensary
As an international visitor from Tonga, your passport is your best friend at the dispensary. Every licensed dispensary in New York is required by law to verify the age of every customer before any sale. Your Tongan passport is a perfectly valid form of ID at any New York dispensary — just make sure it's current and not expired. Some dispensaries may also accept a Tongan national ID card or an international driver's license, but a passport is the safest and most universally accepted document. Carry it with you every time you plan to visit a dispensary, and have it ready to show at the door — most shops will check you in before you even browse.
Cash, Card, and What to Expect at Checkout
Here's a practical tip that will save you frustration: many cannabis dispensaries in New York operate primarily on a cash basis due to federal banking restrictions on the cannabis industry. While some dispensaries now offer debit card processing or cashless ATM options, we strongly recommend bringing cash when you visit. Most dispensaries have ATMs on-site or nearby, but having cash ready makes the whole experience smoother. Our products are priced clearly and competitively — so you'll always know exactly what you're spending before you get to the counter. No surprises, no gimmicks.
Available Now
Find a Silly Nice Dispensary Near You in NYC
We didn't build Silly Nice to be just another cannabis brand on a shelf. We built it to be the best — the kind of brand that takes pride in every gram, every product, every label. Everything we make is small-batch crafted, independently lab-tested for potency and purity, and sustainably packaged because we care about the world we're leaving behind. When you pick up a Silly Nice product, you're holding something made with intention by a team that truly loves what they do. Shane and LeVar have poured 25 years of partnership, trust, and shared vision into this brand, and that energy shows up in everything we create.
Our Hash Products: A Special Nod to Visitors Who Appreciate the Craft
Hash has a long and respected history around the world, and we know many international visitors — including those from communities across the Pacific — have a deep appreciation for it. That's exactly why we're especially proud of our hash line. We make two standout hash products that we believe are among the finest available anywhere in New York State right now, and we want you to experience them while you're here.
Frosted Hash Ball
Our Frosted Hash Ball is one of the most talked-about products in our lineup, and for good reason. Each 1-gram ball is crafted through a meticulous solventless process that preserves the full spectrum of the plant. The numbers speak for themselves: 67.34% THC, 78.34% total cannabinoids, and an extraordinary 5.7% terpene content. That terpene level is what separates this from most hash you'll find on the market — it means the flavor profile is rich, complex, and deeply aromatic. Priced at $50 for 1 gram, the Frosted Hash Ball is a premium experience worth every cent. Whether you're a seasoned hash enthusiast or curious about trying something genuinely exceptional, this one is for you.
THC
67.34%
Total
78.34%
Size
1g
Price
$50
Bubble Hash
If you want something that captures the essence of the cannabis plant in its most natural, uncut form, our Bubble Hash is your answer. Made using only ice water and mechanical separation — no solvents, no shortcuts — this 1-gram product comes in at 53.32% THC and 62.86% total cannabinoids, with an impressive 6.2% terpene content. That terpene richness gives our Bubble Hash an incredibly nuanced flavor experience. At $44 per gram, it's also the most accessible entry point into our hash collection, making it a fantastic option for visitors who want to explore solventless concentrates without a massive commitment. This is hash the way it was meant to be made.
THC
53.32%
Total
62.86%
Size
1g
Price
$44
Beyond our celebrated hash products, Silly Nice offers a full range of premium cannabis products available at licensed dispensaries across the five boroughs and beyond. Here's what you can find on our menu right now:
Diamond Powder
For those who want maximum potency, our Diamond Powder delivers. At 86.24% THC and 98.54% total cannabinoids per 1 gram, this is one of the most powerful cannabis concentrates available in New York. Priced at $50, it's perfect for experienced consumers looking to elevate their sessions. Add a little to a bowl, sprinkle it on flower, or dab it on its own — Diamond Powder is as versatile as it is intense.
THC
86.24%
Total
98.54%
Size
1g
Price
$50
Diamond-Frosted & Live Resin Infused Flower
Our Papaya Wine Infused Flower is a 3.5-gram experience you won't forget. Premium flower infused and crafted to reach 51.22% THC and 58.63% total cannabinoids, this is a product for cannabis lovers who appreciate the ritual of rolling and smoking flower but want something that goes further. At $60 for 3.5 grams, Papaya Wine delivers exceptional value alongside exceptional quality.
THC
37.32%
Total
42.90%
Size
3.5g
Price
$60
510 Thread Vape — Pink Stardust
Our Pink Stardust 510 Vape cartridge is the go-to for visitors who want a convenient, discreet option. At 81.96% THC and 88.36% total cannabinoids per 1 gram, and priced at $40, it's one of the best values in our lineup. Just note that you'll need a compatible 510-thread battery to use this cartridge — many dispensaries sell batteries separately if you need one.
THC
81.96%
Total
88.36%
Size
1g
Price
$40
2G All-In-One Vape — Alaskan Thunder Fuck
For the visitor who wants the best possible vape experience without needing any extra hardware, our 2-gram All-In-One device in Alaskan Thunder Fuck is an absolute standout. Self-contained and ready to use right out of the package, this device packs 82.46% THC and 84.06% total cannabinoids into a full 2 grams of premium oil. At $80, it's a serious investment in your NYC cannabis experience — and it's absolutely worth it.
THC
82.46%
Total
84.06%
Size
2g
Price
$80
Available Now
Browse the Full Silly Nice Menu
Where to Find Silly Nice in NYC — Neighborhood Guide for Visitors
With Silly Nice now available in 150+ licensed dispensaries across New York State, finding us while you're visiting the city has never been easier. Here's a quick neighborhood guide to help you plan your dispensary visits around your NYC itinerary:
Manhattan — Cannabis in the Heart of the City
Manhattan is home to some of New York's most established licensed dispensaries, concentrated in neighborhoods like the East Village, Midtown, the Upper West Side, and Harlem. If you're staying in a Manhattan hotel — which many international visitors do — you're likely within walking distance or a short subway ride from a dispensary stocking Silly Nice. The dispensary scene in Manhattan has grown quickly since legalization, and the quality of the retail experience has risen right along with it. Many Manhattan dispensaries offer beautifully designed spaces, knowledgeable staff called 'budtenders,' and clear menus that make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.
Brooklyn — Our Home Borough
Brooklyn is home — for us and for an incredible community of cannabis lovers. Neighborhoods like Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg, Flatbush, and Bushwick have seen a surge in licensed dispensary openings, and Silly Nice is proud to be represented on shelves throughout the borough. If you're making the trip to Brooklyn — which we highly recommend for the food, the culture, the art, and the people — make time to visit a dispensary and pick up something from our menu. It's a way to connect with the borough that built us.
Queens — Diverse Neighborhoods, Great Dispensary Options
Queens is one of the most ethnically diverse places on Earth — which feels very fitting for visitors from Tonga, a nation that carries its own rich cultural identity with pride. Dispensaries in neighborhoods like Jamaica, Astoria, Jackson Heights, and Flushing serve diverse communities with welcoming, professional retail environments. If you're flying into JFK or LaGuardia and spending time in Queens, you'll find Silly Nice products at dispensaries throughout the borough. Use our store locator to pinpoint the closest location to wherever you're staying.
Tips for a Safe, Enjoyable, and Legal Cannabis Experience in NYC
We want every visitor from Tonga to have a fantastic time in New York, and part of that is making sure you're set up for a responsible, enjoyable cannabis experience. Here are our top practical tips:
Always Buy from a Licensed Dispensary
This is the single most important piece of advice we can give you. Only purchase cannabis from a licensed adult-use dispensary — never from street vendors, informal sellers, or unlicensed shops. Licensed dispensaries sell products that have been independently tested for safety and potency. Unlicensed products have no such guarantees and may contain harmful substances. If a deal sounds too good to be true on the street, walk away. Protect yourself and your trip by going through official, legal channels every single time. You can verify that a dispensary is licensed through the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) website.
Consume Responsibly and Privately
New York law prohibits cannabis consumption in most public spaces — sidewalks, parks, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation are all off-limits. The safest place to consume is in a private residence where the host gives explicit permission. Some cannabis-friendly venues and social consumption spaces are beginning to emerge in New York, but they are still relatively limited. Check with your accommodation before assuming you can consume on a balcony, terrace, or in a shared space — many hotels prohibit it. Being respectful of those rules protects you legally and keeps the experience positive for everyone.
Start Low, Go Slow — Especially with Concentrates
If you're new to cannabis concentrates like our Bubble Hash, Frosted Hash Ball, or Diamond Powder, we strongly encourage you to start with a very small amount and give your body time to respond before consuming more. These products are significantly more potent than traditional flower, and the experience can be intense — especially for those who haven't used cannabis regularly or who are trying concentrates for the first time. There is no rush. Take your time, enjoy the experience, and always consume in a safe and comfortable environment.
Available Now
Use Our Store Locator to Find Silly Nice Near You
A Warm Welcome to Every Visitor from Tonga — New York Is Yours to Explore
From Shane, LeVar, and everyone at Silly Nice Cannabis — welcome to New York City. We mean that sincerely and without reservation. This city has always been a place where people from every corner of the world come to dream, explore, create, and connect. Visitors from Tonga are part of that story, and we are honored to play even a small role in your experience here.
We built Silly Nice because we believe premium cannabis should be accessible, trustworthy, and joyful — not intimidating or exclusionary. Whether you're a lifelong cannabis enthusiast or simply curious about exploring legal adult-use products for the first time in a place where it's fully legal to do so, we are here for you. Our hash products — the Frosted Hash Ball and Bubble Hash — are two of our proudest achievements, and we'd love for you to experience them while you're here in New York. They represent the best of what solventless, small-batch cannabis craftsmanship can produce.
New York City is vast and full of wonder — the food, the music, the neighborhoods, the people, the skyline at night. Add a legal dispensary visit to your itinerary, find Silly Nice on the shelf, and let us be part of what makes your trip unforgettable. Use our store locator at sillynice.com/store-locator to find the nearest dispensary carrying our products, wherever you are in the five boroughs or across New York State. We can't wait to welcome you.
Mālō 'aupito — thank you, and enjoy every moment of your time in New York City.
Topics
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.