New York Cannabis Travel Laws: What to Know Before You Go

Those who travel often know that laws, customs and culture are different in every destination. Cannabis travel is no different. If you are planning a trip to New York, like for the CannaCon conference in June, read on for important travel laws to consider and the answer to the overall question: is weed legal in New York for tourists?

Is Weed Legal in NYC for Tourists?

If driving to the state of New York, understand the complexity of traveling by car with cannabis. Although a route through completely legalized states may be possible, it is not uncommon for those areas to have established laws restricting cannabis from being in vehicles (even in an inaccessible place) as well as crossing state lines. Further, cannabis remains illegal on federal land. This includes any vehicle parked at or passing through a national park, memorial, forest, seashore, lakeshore and even countless ski slopes and resorts. Therefore, car cannabis is more often illegal than not during travel. For medical patients, always carry your doctor-issued prescription or card, regardless of the presence of product.

Can you Bring Weed on a Plane?

Plane travel is another route to the Empire State, but one that’s riddled with questions: 

• Can you travel on a plane with medical marijuana? 
• What is tsa marijuana policy? 
• Can you bring weed on a plane? 

Due to marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products remaining illegal under federal law, flight travel does not permit any marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products.

TSA Marijuana Policy

Regarding TSA marijuana policy, a spokesperson from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stated “It is important for me to note that TSA’s response to the discovery of marijuana is the same in every state and at every airport — regardless of whether marijuana has been or is going to be legalized. This also covers medical marijuana. TSA’s focus is on terrorism and security threats to the aircraft and its passengers. TSA’s screening procedures, which are governed by federal law, are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. As has always been the case, if during the security screening process a TSA officer discovers an item that may violate the law, TSA refers the matter to law enforcement. Law enforcement officials will determine whether to initiate a criminal investigation or what steps — if any — will be taken. Finally, TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”

Officially, products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA are allowed by TSA. For medical patients, always carry the doctor-issued prescription or card. When leaving the state by air, ensure all traces of product are completely removed from any bags and disposed of within the state.

Is Weed Legal in New York for Tourists?

In good news, cannabis is legal in the state of New York, both medical and recreational. Is weed legal in NYC for tourists? Yes! Anyone, including residents and visitors to the state, over the age of 21 years old may purchase. Those looking to buy medical-grade marijuana must have a medical card. Keep in mind it is still illegal to smoke cannabis where tobacco smoking is prohibited, as well as in vehicles while on a public street, which includes street parking, and in most parking lots and garages.

Is Weed Legal in Rochester?

Rochester, NY is a beautiful city situated on Lake Ontario. It is also the spot for the Northeast CannaCon event, happening June 12-13, 2025. 

Are you wondering, “is weed legal in Rochester?” In 2021, the city “opted in” to allow licensed adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries, microbusinesses and consumption lounges to operate within city limits. In fact, November 2024 saw the opening of Rochester’s first woman-owned dispensary, Rochester’s Finest Cannabis Dispensary. 

“It’s super exciting working for a female-owned business,” assistant manager Lailee English said. “I feel like it’s new in Rochester. It’s important and it means a lot. Especially being a Black young female in Rochester, it sometimes feels like there’s not a place for us in this industry,” English said. “It’s a very male dominated industry, and I think it’s important for us to be here, be loud and just make our mark.”

Ready to Learn More About New York Cannabis Laws? Come to CannaCon

Join CannaCon in New York this summer. CannaCon is the nation’s leading business-to-business cannabis conference. Their goal is to grow the cannabis industry by educating cannabis business owners on all things related to cannabis and CBD. Their trade shows feature a large exhibition hall with exhibitors from around the country as well as seminars delivered by industry experts. Support local businesses and make valuable connections! Get tickets here!