Weed in Staten Island: The Changing Cannabis Landscape
Staten Island, like the rest of New York, has experienced major changes in cannabis laws over the past few years. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2021 under the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), New York has been working to establish a legal and regulated cannabis market. However, Staten Island has been slow to embrace dispensaries, creating a unique situation where weed is legal, but access remains limited.
The Legal Status of Weed in Staten Island
Under New York law, adults 21 and older can legally:
- Possess up to three ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrates.
- Smoke or vape weed anywhere tobacco smoking is allowed (except in cars, schools, and workplaces).
- Grow cannabis at home (up to six plants per household, but only once regulations are finalized).
However, there are still key restrictions:
- Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, with strict DUI penalties.
- Employers can prohibit cannabis use during work hours, but they generally can’t fire employees for legal consumption outside of work.
- Bringing cannabis across state lines remains illegal, even if traveling to another legal state.
Are There Dispensaries in Staten Island?
While legal cannabis dispensaries have opened across New York City, Staten Island still does not have any licensed dispensaries as of early 2025. Local opposition and zoning laws have slowed down the process, meaning residents must travel to other boroughs or use licensed delivery services.
Some of the closest legal dispensaries for Staten Island residents include:
- Housing Works Cannabis Co. (Manhattan) – One of New York’s first legal dispensaries, offering a wide range of cannabis products.
- Smacked (Manhattan) – A state-licensed dispensary known for high-quality flower and edibles.
- Good Grades (Queens) – A Black woman-owned dispensary with great product selection and service.
In the meantime, many Staten Island residents rely on delivery services from legal dispensaries in other boroughs. However, illegal smoke shops and unlicensed sellers are still widespread, creating challenges for enforcement.
Cannabis Culture in Staten Island
Despite Staten Island’s slow rollout of dispensaries, cannabis culture is growing in the borough. Some notable developments include:
- More cannabis events – Educational sessions, pop-up markets, and advocacy groups are raising awareness about legalization.
- A shift in public opinion – While Staten Island has traditionally been more conservative on cannabis, many residents now support medical and recreational use.
- Law enforcement changes – Police no longer arrest people for low-level possession, reducing cannabis-related criminal charges.
The Future of Weed in Staten Island
The cannabis market in Staten Island is expected to expand as New York issues more dispensary licenses. Once dispensaries open, Staten Island will benefit from legal, lab-tested products and a regulated market that reduces illegal sales.
For now, residents looking for legal weed must travel to other boroughs or use delivery services, but the future looks promising for Staten Island’s cannabis industry.