NY’s premier marijuana dispensary is now open – here’s what you need to know before you shop

Recreational marijuana was legalized in New York in March 2021. In early 2023, the state finally opened its first legal recreational pharmacy, a topic that has left many residents baffled.

On December 29th (at 4:20 p.m.) the first legal recreational dispensary opened its doors, offering New Yorkers their first legal weed experience. Here’s what consumers should know.

How do you know if the location is legal?

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At the moment there is only one legal location. Housing Works Cannabis Co. is the premier legal recreational dispensary and is located at 750 Broadway in the East Village. The company should have a QR code on their door that customers can use to verify the location is legitimate or not.

When will other pharmacies open?

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Currently, New York has 36 licenses in place, spread across the city’s various boroughs, which are scheduled to open in the coming weeks. Official dates have not yet been released, but you should expect more information from the New York Bureau of Cannabis Management.

Do you need ID?

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Yes. To purchase marijuana from legal dispensaries, official government ID cards must be presented. (Here are 4 things you need to know before visiting a marijuana dispensary.)

What are the prices and how can you pay?

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RELATED: New York Unveils Tool for Identifying Legitimate Marijuana Stores

The store should have a wide range of products, including marijuana flower, vape products, edibles, pre-rolled joints, and even CBD pet treats. In terms of pricing, Housing Works’ website shows that an ounce of marijuana will range from $40 to $60.

What is the difference between legal and illegal shops?

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RELATED: Will New York be able to control its underground market?

Following the legalization of marijuana, an impressive number of marijuana stores and cannabis pop-ups have popped up, confusing anyone who doesn’t keep up with the legal cannabis news. While many of these illegal shops sell high-quality cannabis, the difference between these shops and licensed ones is that the latter sell products that have been regulated and tested by the state. These products are likely to be safer, of higher quality, and made under regulated conditions.