Guides /Guide
The Rules of 420 Week: A Legal Field Guide to Cannabis in New York
How much you can carry, where you can smoke, and what to know before you head out.
420 week is a celebration — and in New York, a legal one, as long as you know the rules. Here’s a plain-English field guide based on state guidance. (It’s general information, not legal advice.)
How much can you carry?
Adults 21 and over can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. At home, you can keep up to 5 pounds of trimmed cannabis, according to the Office of Cannabis Management.
Dabbing that concentrate? The Puffco Peak Pro is New York 420 Week’s go-to e-rig — and the same rules apply to where you can use it as anywhere else you vape.
Where can you smoke?
Under New York law, adults can generally smoke or vape cannabis where smoking tobacco is permitted. The big exception is vehicles. Private venues, landlords and event organizers can set stricter rules, so always follow the house policy.
Can you grow your own?
Yes. Each adult can grow up to three mature and three immature plants, with a cap of six mature and six immature plants per household. Homegrown cannabis can’t be sold, traded or bartered.
What about taxes?
Since June 2024, New York has applied a 13% retail tax on adult-use purchases and a 9% tax at the distributor level. Before that, the state taxed distributors based on THC content.
Buying legally
New York’s first legal adult-use sale happened on December 29, 2022. Today there are more than 700 licensed dispensaries statewide. Licensed shops display the state’s dispensary verification QR code — scan it to confirm a store is legit before you buy.
Don’t drive high
Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal in New York. During 420 week, plan your route: the subway, a rideshare or a designated driver.
