New York Expands Cannabis Access With Five New Dispensaries

Recreational marijuana users in New York State have five new dispensaries to shop at. On March 31, 2021, New York State legalized recreational adult marijuana use for people 21 years of age or older. Adults can purchase, possess, and transport up to three ounces of marijuana and up to twenty-four grams of concentrated cannabis. New Yorkers can also give or transfer up to three ounces of marijuana and up to twenty-four grams of concentrated cannabis to another person, as long as no money changes hands.

KEEP READING: How Much Marijuana Can You Legally Have At Home In New York?

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Did You Know You Can Still Go To Jail For Marijuana In NY?

Even though cannabis has been legalized in New York, under certain circumstances possessing it is illegal. Anyone caught with cannabis weighing more than three ounces or concentrated cannabis weighing more than twenty-four grams is breaking the law. The punishment for unlawful possession is a fine of up to $125.

As the weight of the marijuana goes up, the the punishments are greater:

- A person will be charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of cannabis in the third degree if caught with cannabis weighing more than sixteen ounces or concentrated cannabis weighing more than five ounces.

- A person will be charged with felony criminal possession of cannabis in the second degree if caught with cannabis weighing more than five pounds or concentrated cannabis weighing more than two pounds.

- A person will be charged with felony criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree